Managing remote teams effectively is more important than ever. Remote and hybrid work aren’t going anywhere, so you must adapt or get left behind. Fortunately, keeping up with today’s rapidly evolving business landscape is easier than ever, thanks to modern communications technology.
As audiovisual industry veterans with over two decades of experience, we’ve seen first-hand how a well-managed remote team can thrive. On the other side of the coin, we’ve also seen the direct consequences of mismanagement.
Every organization and individual is unique, so not everything you read here necessarily applies to you. We recommend taking bits and pieces of these tips for managing remote teams to form your own approach.
1. Start with a Rock-Solid Communications System
Don’t underestimate the manager’s role in the success of a remote approach to daily operations. That said, there are other factors to consider, too. First things first—you must have a dependable communications system in place.
The days of the landline are long gone. Video conferencing equipment is the new standard. Implemented properly, it’s a reliable solution that allows for face-to-face connections. Many successful businesses are 100% remote, and video conferencing equipment is what makes that possible.
You could follow all of these tips for managing remote teams to the letter. But if you’re relying on an outdated communications system, you’re going to have problems. Taking a multifaceted approach is the key to positive results—follow best practices and use best-in-class AV communications equipment.
2. Find a Rhythm (and Stick with It)
Managing remote teams effectively requires consistency. Every team member must be on the same page and confident in their partners. Structure and predictability go a long way in mitigating common obstacles. It may take time to develop a stable workflow, but it’s worth the effort.
One of the most crucial tips for managing remote teams is to provide all team members with a crystal-clear timetable of all remote events. If meetings are every Wednesday at 9 a.m., there’s much less risk of someone forgetting.
It’s worth noting that designating a single meeting time isn’t always the best approach. For example, if you have team members who work overseas, you may want to rotate mornings and evenings. Once you find a rhythm that works, stick with it.
3. Communicate with the Whole Team Simultaneously (When Possible)
In a traditional in-person work environment, missing a meeting isn’t ideal, but it’s easier to get caught up. In a remote environment, you really have to connect with everyone simultaneously to keep momentum moving forward.
When considering tips for managing remote teams, think about how you can optimize everyone’s time. For example, if you need to explain a project, host a meeting with all participants present. That way, you can answer questions, and team members can bounce ideas off each other.
4. Add Relevant Participants to the Call
Managing remote teams effectively and efficiently sometimes means making adjustments on the fly.
Say you’re chatting with a client who has questions outside of your field of expertise. Being able to add a relevant team member to the video call in real-time is a huge leap forward in how you approach customer service.
One of the most essential tips for managing remote teams is to be aware and agile. Using your communications system is a skill that can be honed. Today’s video conferencing technology allows for endless freedom, so get comfortable with it and make it work for you.
5. Be Empathetic
A little understanding goes a long way. What you see on the screen isn’t the full scope of what’s happening behind the scenes. A lot of context can get lost in translation in a remote setting.
For example, in a traditional office, you might pick up on signs that an employee feels overworked. They may skip breaks or simply seem agitated. Those cues don’t usually come through in a quick video chat.
One of the most important tips for managing remote teams is that you reevaluate how you communicate in general. Managing remote teams effectively often requires that you’re more direct than usual. Sometimes, you need to ask the right questions to get the right answers.
6. Check-In Regularly
Working remotely can be difficult at times. A lack of face-to-face interaction and communication barriers can make it challenging to resolve issues that are impeding productivity. It is crucial to check-in regularly with your team members to ensure everyone is aligned on their tasks and objectives.
Check-in with your remote team members from time to time. Ask them how they feel about the workflow and how things could be improved. Ideally, you should schedule biweekly meetings with each remote team member to track progress and address any issues. Use this time to build a personal connection and create a more personable work environment.
7. Acknowledge a Job Well Done
It’s easier for hard work to go unnoticed in a remote setting. One of the easiest tips for managing remote teams effectively is to be appreciative. Gratitude and praise can go a long way in keeping morale high, especially when video calls are often hyper-focused on one topic.
You can praise individual or team accomplishments publicly or via a recognition platform. Take the time during team meetings to acknowledge a team member’s successes. Adopt digital recognition platforms that allow team members to give and receive kudos.
8. Encourage Collaboration
Some projects are best left to individuals, but others may benefit from a second set of eyes. Look for team members who seem compatible, and have them team up when the situation requires it.
You don’t always need to be the go-to resource. Pay attention to team members’ strong skill sets, and know when to redirect questions accordingly.
9. Be Prepared for Technical Malfunctions
As far as tips for managing remote teams go, having a backup plan is among the most critical. Managing remote teams effectively demands that your communications system is functioning properly at all times. If there’s a problem, you need an immediate solution.
Using high-quality equipment and having backups is a must, but don’t overlook the importance of also having a reliable audiovisual specialist on speed dial. Some problems can be fixed in seconds if you troubleshoot with an expert.
10. Promote a Healthy Work-Life Balance
Remote workers often find it challenging to have a healthy work-life balance. The boundaries between personal and professional life can blur when working from home, making workers burn out or reduce their productivity.
One of the most important tips for managing remote teams effectively is to help team members maintain a clear distinction between work and personal time. Define each team member’s working hours, and avoid calling or emailing them during these times. Encourage breaks throughout the workday and enforce mandatory time-off policies to ensure they are well-rested.
Find Next-Gen AV Equipment at Chester Springs AV
Out of all possible tips for managing remote teams, using state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment is far and away the most vital.
Every component matters in your communications system. From your cameras and microphones to your headsets and accessories, each piece of equipment must function flawlessly to ensure seamless collaboration.
At Chester Springs AV, we offer cutting-edge AV equipment for individuals and organizations. Beyond carrying only the latest and greatest communications hardware, we provide our clients with an unmatched level of support. Partner with us—we’ll help you choose the right gear and will be there when you need assistance with installation and servicing.
Shop our expert-curated inventory with full confidence, knowing we only carry best-in-class products from the industry’s most respected brands.
