Schedule a one-on-one meeting to understand their challenges and clarify expectations. Emphasize the importance of timely communication and meeting deadlines for team success. Offer support by suggesting tools or processes, such as daily check-ins or project tracking software, to improve visibility. Address any time management or workload issues they may have and establish a clear action plan. Set specific, achievable goals with deadlines, and follow up regularly to ensure progress. Encourage open communication to prevent future delays.

To address a remote team member missing deadlines due to poor communication, first schedule a one-on-one to understand their challenges. Next, emphasize the importance of timely updates and clarify expectations, offering support if needed. Together, you could identify any barriers — like unclear instructions, personal issues, or resource gaps — and create a structured communication plan, such as regular check-ins or progress updates. Setting clear, achievable milestones and ensuring they understand the consequences of missing deadlines can help too. By offering both guidance and accountability, the goal is to improve collaboration while also providing the space they need to succeed.

Start by having an open conversation with the team member. Ask them about the challenges they’re facing and clarify expectations. Set clear, achievable deadlines and make sure they have the tools and support they need. Encourage regular check-ins to ensure they’re on track and offer feedback or adjustments if necessary. If the issue persists, consider discussing potential solutions like additional training or a change in workload. The key is to address it early, keep the conversation constructive, and work together to find a solution.

It’s not about fixing the problem, it’s about ensuring the connection stays strong. The real problem isn’t missing deadlines. It’s the hidden disconnect in communication that slowly erodes trust and efficiency. When a remote team member misses deadlines repeatedly, it’s time to face this truth: they might not feel seen or heard. Rather than pointing fingers, ask yourself: How clear is my communication with them? Set transparent expectations right from the start. Then, check in regularly, but not just to micromanage, and show genuine interest in their progress. Use tools like Slack or Trello to make collaboration seamless.

Always stay updated with each division, conduct daily briefings if needed, and ensure a strong sense of ownership in each team's work.