The modern way to work with remote teams (thrive in five)

Summary

This script offers practical advice for managing remote teams effectively. It emphasizes the importance of face-to-face video communication to capture non-verbal cues and build stronger relationships. Leaders should understand each team member's personality and interests, listen to their passions, and respect their opinions. The script provides tips such as reviewing work, giving feedback, and making sure communication is clear. It also encourages setting up video meetings, creating agendas, and maintaining positive, solution-driven conversations to foster collaboration and team engagement.

Takeaways

• 🤝 Building stronger relationships is essential for managing a remote team.
• 💻 Use video calls to connect with your team, as 80% of communication is non-verbal.
• 🧠 Understand each team member's personality to know what motivates and frustrates them.
• 🎯 Focus on what excites individuals to drive tasks in those areas for better performance.
• 🎨 Show interest in their hobbies and activities outside of work to strengthen connections.
• 🤔 Respect differing opinions and encourage open discussions to explore new perspectives.
• ⏰ Allocate time regularly to connect with your team and review their work.
• 💬 Not everyone communicates the same way, so adapt your communication style accordingly.
• 🔄 Don’t assume no news is good news; regularly check in to avoid miscommunication.
• 📅 Set clear agendas and expectations for meetings to ensure productive and positive conversations.

Q & A

What is a common challenge when managing a remote team?

One common challenge is building strong relationships with team members, which can be difficult without face-to-face interaction.

Why is video communication recommended for remote teams?

Video communication is recommended because 80% of communication is non-verbal, and body language plays a critical role in understanding others.

How can understanding individual personalities benefit remote team management?

Understanding personalities helps managers tailor communication and tasks based on what motivates each team member and what might frustrate them, leading to better collaboration and productivity.

What should managers listen for when interacting with their remote team members?

Managers should listen for what team members are passionate about and their areas of excitement, as this can help align tasks with their interests and strengths.

Why is it important to know what team members enjoy outside of work?

Knowing personal interests and hobbies helps build rapport and fosters a more holistic understanding of team members, which can strengthen relationships.

How should managers handle differing opinions within the team?

Managers should respect differing opinions and encourage team members to explain their perspectives, promoting a more open and inclusive communication environment.

What are some key do's for managing a remote team?

Key do's include allocating time to connect with the team, reviewing and providing feedback on their work, and encouraging regular communication.

What are some don'ts to avoid in remote team management?

Don't assume everyone prefers the same communication style, and don’t assume that no news is good news; it's important to stay actively engaged to avoid misunderstandings.

How can setting up a video meeting improve remote team management?

A video meeting allows for clear, real-time communication where body language is visible, expectations are clarified, and the purpose of the meeting is better understood by all participants.

What type of questions should managers ask during meetings to encourage participation?

Managers should ask open-ended questions like 'What do you think the impact will be?' or 'Do you have any ideas on how we can solve the issue?' to foster discussion and engagement.