How to Successfully Manage a Remote Team – Setting Shared Expectations & Handling Conflict | When you work with a remote team, you often need to manage the team’s expectations. Whether your work is done through email or a web application, it’s crucial to establish a sense of shared expectations and keep a good communication flow going. Providing one-on-one face time with team members is also essential, as well as tackling any conflicts that may arise.

Over-communicating

If you’re managing a remote team, it can be a challenge to maintain a healthy work atmosphere. One of the most significant barriers to productivity in this setting is a need for more communication.

Effective communication is vital in any workplace but indispensable in a remote setting. Communication can be supportive and efficient, but it should also be strategic and precise. It can help prevent misalignment and confusion.

A virtual open-door policy is vital in fostering a positive workplace environment. However, communication can go wrong, and over-communication can be a big problem.

Over-communication can be a great way to convey information, but it can also be harmful. When communication is too frequent, it can be seen as invading others’ time. It’s also possible that a message is lost because of a time gap.

Getting the most out of communication in a remote work environment doesn’t have to be complicated. Many tools can help you communicate effectively, such as a company’s instant messaging tool or project management software.

Setting shared expectations

The first step to managing a remote team is to set shared expectations. It means establishing a set of rules that are relevant to the team. It also means that managers are aware of the needs and preferences of their groups.

Setting a specific meeting time is an excellent way to maintain a consistent schedule. A good rule of thumb is to have weekly or biweekly sessions. These should last around 15 minutes. During these meetings, team members should have a chance to share any ideas or concerns.

The best part of setting shared expectations is that they can help you alleviate some problems with working in a remote environment. Remote workers often rely on virtual communications tools, like email or video calls. However, these may not be as up-to-date as local employees. To avoid this, it is vital to pick the proper communication channels.

Providing one-on-one face time with team members

The key to successfully managing a remote team is to provide one-on-one face time with each member. Establishing good communication channels and setting clear expectations for each employee would be best. It will help your team stay synchronized and able to reach goals.

For new employees, consider in-person training. Not only does in-person training make them feel comfortable, but it can also help them settle in.

Another essential component of one-on-one face time is allowing your employees to choose the structure of their work week. Whether they work seven days a week or split up the workday, this helps ensure they get the rest they need.

It’s easy to get caught up in distractions when working from home. Whether it’s your children, dogs, Netflix, or Twitter, there are many things to remember. To help your employees focus, you can emphasize company values and remind them of your goals.

Handling conflict

Handling conflict when managing a remote team can be difficult. The lack of face-to-face communication can lead to misunderstandings. However, there are ways to resolve them.

Creating an open-door policy can help you identify potential conflicts. If a team member is concerned, they should ask for permission to speak with you. They should also know that their voice will be heard.

To resolve a conflict, managers should establish a conflict communication plan. It includes letting team members know what kinds of communication are acceptable and that they can get help when necessary.

Setting clear procedures can make communication easier between remote employees. It will also reduce friction. For example, some companies conduct regular one-on-one catch-ups to help monitor performance.

Keeping up with regular meetings can also be a great way to handle conflict. Some teams use a buddy system to pair people based on proximity or work styles.