Do you have to lead teams virtually? Virtual teams may be here with us for a long time because of the pandemic.
Companies with offices all over the globe have been using technology for years to operate virtually. If you are not comfortable with your role as a virtual team leader, look at the 10 tips we're sharing with you in this article.
They are in no particle order, as every tip is valuable in its own right. Read on to discover the effective tips on how to lead a team virtually like a pro.
Use Systems and Graphs
With virtual teams you have minimum personal face-to-face contact. You cannot casually walk past their workstations to look at what they are doing and offer help when necessary. Therefore, online systems to monitor and assist in a planned and organized manner are essential.
Use Management Tools
Use project management software to keep track of everything. These programs normally send alerts for deadlines. They also provide a quick daily, weekly or monthly overview of what needs to be done, by who and when it needs be completed.
Establish Multiple Communication Tools
Establishing a multiple communication tool set is one of the most important aspects of leading a virtual team. Emailing is a good and established way to communicate. An email to the correct address communicates immediately urgent matters to the right person, and the communication is on record.
Create a Professional Work Environment
Although your team works remotely, encourage them to wear professional attire, work in a distraction-free environment, and work according to set times. Studies have shown that this attitude of being professional and punctual contributes a lot to team building among your remote team members.
Provide Clear and Detailed Instructions
Micromanaging has a negative influence on your remote members’ work. Do not micromanage by editing shared documents before the member has completed the task, or asks for help.
Set a Rhythm
Schedule video team conferences for once a week at the same time on the same weekday. This creates a rhythm and all team members know that not so urgent matters can wait for the next conference.
Frequently Remind Your Team of the Team’s Vision
Remote workers can easily feel detached from your team. As the team leader, you have to keep morale high and every member focused. Keep on reminding all the members of the company’s vision, and how their work feeds into the bigger picture.
Establish a Rewarding System
Rewarding and recognizing your remote members will stimulate them to work harder. A reward system not only keeps your team motivated but also gives you an indication of which team members can take on more responsibility.
Be the Spokesperson for Your Team
Communicate to your remote team that you are their spokesperson at head-office. When you have your regular short chats with the individual members of your team, and during your team conferences, ask them whether they have any problems that have to be followed up at head-office.
Grant Your Team the Opportunity to Have Fun
In an office environment workers have breaks and areas where they can mingle and relax. When leading a virtual team, you have to ensure that some fun will still be experienced by team members.
Conclusion
Technology enables us to lead teams virtually. Leading your team successfully virtually means you have to communicate well, keep remote members focused and engaged and develop a long-distance team spirit.
But, that’s not so different from what you need to be doing when the whole team is in the same room. Consider these tips if you are leading a team virtually.
