Here is the final part of our 4 part management tip on overcoming the challenges of managing remotely.

It is not surprising that technology is one of the challenges faced by any leader of a remote, virtual, geographically dispersed team as a growing proportion of people work at a distance linked only by technology.   It is thanks to technology and globalisation that more and more organisations have teams dispersed across several locations and countries and therefore the skills required to lead these teams are a determinate factor in the success of the organisation. Managed correctly the remote team offers greater speed, flexibility and productivity but a poorly managed remote team will result in an isolated, disengaged and underperforming team.  With technology as their main form of communication it is essential that leaders use this effectively to inspire, create trust and engage their team.

Technology

Challenges

  • Technology not working.
  • Power cuts.
  • Poor quality video conferencing or phone lines.
  • Internet connection can be slow.

Solutions

  • Ensure your IT systems work effectively remotely.
  • Champion your remote worker by liaising with IT to resolve their problems first.
  • Ensure remote workers have the best broad band they can get.
  • Ensure there are enough meeting rooms with video conferencing capability.
  • Ensure there are clear guidelines about how to use virtual meeting technology plus there is appropriate IT support to help if things go wrong.
  • Ensure chairs of meeting know how to effectively facilitate meetings where everyone is not face to face e.g. ask questions to check understanding and sign post where you are in meeting.

Management Tip written by Leanne Hoffman – Developing People Trainer/Consultant and practising Psychotherapist   –

If you have enjoyed these tips and are seeking to enhance your performance as a virtual leader, or are moving into a virtual leadership role consider our 2 day in house Leading Remote Teams training course where delegates will learn to overcome these challenges and many more, thus strengthening team networks for improved performance by creating trust and engagement in a vitual environment. Delegates on this course will leave with a set of practical tools and techniques which will enable them to lead and support a productive remote team and be able to:

  • Build a team identity and clear sense of purpose for the remote team
  • Endorse and encourage effective remote team behaviour
  • Use communication tools for effective remote collaboration
  • Manage the team and individuals’ work at a distance.

Contact us to find out more