How can you manage remote teams during a crisis?

Managing remote teams during a crisis can be challenging, especially if you are not used to working from home or leading virtual teams. However, with some effective strategies and best practices, you can overcome the obstacles and keep your team engaged, productive, and motivated. In this article, you will learn how to manage remote teams during a crisis by following these six steps:

1 Communicate clearly and frequently

Communication is key to any successful team, but even more so when working remotely and facing a crisis. You need to communicate clearly and frequently with your team members, using various channels and formats, such as video calls, emails, chat messages, and project management tools. Communicate your expectations, goals, feedback, and support, as well as listening to their concerns, questions, and suggestions. Communication should be transparent, consistent, and empathetic, to build trust and rapport with your team.

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DEBORAH BROWN-VOLKMAN

Career Goals Advisor to Fortune 500 Executives 🌹 LinkedIn “New Job” Search Strategist 🌹Trauma Survivor & Resilience Expert
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You cannot communicate enough. Over-communicate. In the absence of not knowing, people make things up. You don’t want that.

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Hesham Fawzy

Building System & Industry Head -Management Team Member Sika Egypt
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Totally agree as we world wide faced the pandemic in 2020 we obliged to have new way to manage business and support the team when we were locked down. Team meeting ,video and voice calls with various communication like emails and chat 💬 were really important for the team work to come over such unexpected situation.

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2 Establish a regular routine and schedule

Working from home can be disruptive and distracting, especially if you have to balance your personal and professional responsibilities. To help your team stay focused and organized, establish a regular routine and schedule for your remote work. This includes setting and respecting your working hours, breaks, and availability, as well as creating a dedicated workspace and minimizing distractions. You should also encourage your team to do the same, and respect their boundaries and preferences. A regular routine and schedule can help your team maintain a healthy work-life balance and avoid burnout.

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3 Adapt your leadership style and methods

Managing remote teams during a crisis requires you to adapt your leadership style and methods to the new situation and challenges. You need to be more flexible, supportive, and collaborative, as well as more proactive, decisive, and responsive. Delegate tasks and responsibilities effectively, and empower your team to make decisions and solve problems independently. You also need to monitor your team's performance and progress, and provide timely and constructive feedback and recognition. Leverage technology and tools to facilitate your remote management and collaboration.

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4 Foster a positive and inclusive culture

Working remotely and facing a crisis can affect your team's morale, motivation, and well-being. To prevent this, you should foster a positive and inclusive culture for your remote team. Create a sense of belonging and community, by celebrating achievements, milestones, and birthdays, as well as sharing personal stories, interests, and hobbies. You should also promote a culture of learning and growth, by providing opportunities for training, development, and coaching. Encourage feedback and innovation, by soliciting and implementing ideas and suggestions from your team.

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5 Address conflicts and challenges promptly

Conflicts and challenges are inevitable in any team, but they can be more difficult to manage and resolve when working remotely and facing a crisis. You should address any conflicts and challenges promptly, before they escalate or affect your team's performance and relationships. Use a respectful and constructive approach, by listening to both sides, acknowledging their feelings and perspectives, and finding a mutually acceptable solution. Provide support and guidance to your team members who are facing difficulties or stress, and refer them to professional resources if needed.

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Hesham Fawzy

Building System & Industry Head -Management Team Member Sika Egypt
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Very professional that we can identify the problems and challenges but the most optimal way as professional to agree And submit solutions. This is the key for success

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6 Take care of yourself and your team

Managing remote teams during a crisis can be stressful and demanding, both for you and your team members. Take care of yourself and your team, by prioritizing your physical, mental, and emotional health. You should practice self-care, by getting enough sleep, exercise, and nutrition, as well as relaxing and enjoying your hobbies. Also check in with your team regularly, asking how they are doing, showing appreciation and gratitude, and offering help and encouragement. You should also create opportunities for fun and social interaction, by organizing virtual games, quizzes, or happy hours.

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Gary Reim

Vice President - Treasurer at Color Art
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In order to mitigate cultural decay for remote teams operating in a crisis, several key strategies should be implemented besides those mentioned above: 1. Clear Expectations: Set clear expectations for remote work, including deadlines, deliverables, and communication protocols. 2. Encourage Virtual Collaboration: Facilitate virtual team-building activities, brainstorming sessions, and online social gatherings to foster a sense of camaraderie. 3. Support Well-being: Encourage work-life balance and provide mental health support to help team members cope with stress during the crisis. 4. Continuous Feedback: Encourage feedback from team members about their remote work experience and adjust to the team's new culture and processes.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you manage remote teams during a crisis?

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4

5

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1 Communicate clearly and frequently

2 Establish a regular routine and schedule

3 Adapt your leadership style and methods

4 Foster a positive and inclusive culture

5 Address conflicts and challenges promptly

6 Take care of yourself and your team

7 Here’s what else to consider

Executive Management

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How can you manage remote teams during a crisis?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Communicate clearly and frequently

2 Establish a regular routine and schedule

3 Adapt your leadership style and methods

4 Foster a positive and inclusive culture

5 Address conflicts and challenges promptly

6 Take care of yourself and your team

7 Here’s what else to consider

Executive Management

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