Leading Remote Teams Effectively

Remote work has been a reality for many companies and teams for over 3 years, allowing the world to see its undeniable advantages. That time, however, is still relatively short for everybody to get used to the idea. Many managers are still trying to figure out how to lead their remote or hybrid teams effectively. 

Luckily, BairesDev has had a remote-first approach since its inception in 2009, giving us 14 years of experience in the model. In that time, we've learned a thing or two about leading remote teams effectively. In this post, I will share 5 best practices that have helped us attract and retain the Top 1% of Tech Talent in the Americas and lead them to successfully complete over 1,600 technology projects. Let's go!

1. Harness Technology for Seamless Communication

Since the team does not share a common physical space, they have to interact in the digital space. This means that beyond simple daily check-ins (more on that in best practice No. 3), over-communication is necessary to check on tasks, duties, responsibilities, and desired outcomes.

There is no shortage of great tools that most professionals are very familiar with nowadays. Videoconferencing tools like Microsoft Teams and Google Meet have become the boardrooms of remote work. They provide a face-to-face interaction that humanizes remote collaboration, making meetings more engaging and personal. At BairesDev, Zoom is our go-to app.

Instant messaging apps like Spike, Telegram, and similar platforms allow for real-time conversation, enabling teams to quickly share ideas, ask questions, or give instant feedback. We prefer Slack.

Finally, there are the tools that help us track our work. Collaborative workspaces like Trello, Asana, and Notion offer collaborative platforms that help follow up on tasks, projects, and goals, ensuring everyone is aligned and on track. We cannot do without Jira to manage our projects.

2. Use Tools That Enhance Remote Work

Besides the tools for communication we discussed in the previous best practice, some tools enhance remote work itself. Let's discuss a few.

You need cloud storage to keep all your documents and assets available. Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive ensure that all files and documents are stored centrally, can be accessed from anywhere, and are regularly backed up. Depending on your industry and specific needs, you might prefer one over the other. Make sure that you understand the pros and cons of each one. 

Tools like World Time Buddy or Every Time Zone can help leaders schedule meetings or deadlines convenient for team members across the globe. This is particularly helpful if your remote workforce is distributed among different continents. 

Platforms like Donut can pair up team members for virtual coffee breaks, helping build rapport and camaraderie. We use a combination of Zoom and Kahoot! for our "Meet & Chill" sessions, which we will discuss in best practice No. 5.

3. Employ Strategies for Boosting Productivity

Not everything we will discuss in this piece requires specific tools and technologies. Some of the simpler and cheaper things companies can do are to implement the following strategies:

• Have Regular Check-Ins. We discussed this a bit in the first step. Regular one-on-one check-ins with team members are essential, both as a team and individually. This allows them to voice concerns, ask questions, and get clarity on tasks.

• Make Your Expectations Clear. Define roles, responsibilities, and deliverables thoroughly. Knowing precisely what is expected helps team members prioritize tasks and work autonomously. Have everything in writing so team members can later refer back to the document and reduce ambiguity.

• Offer Flexible Work Hours. Acknowledge the different time zones or personal commitments of your team members. Offering flexibility can increase morale and productivity. Remember that what counts is the end result. Your team should agree on overlapping windows of time to meet and collaborate. It doesn’t matter if someone takes the morning off, as long as they accomplish their tasks. 

4. Develop Leadership Traits for Remote Teams

Of course, being a good leader is much more than simply executing strategies and using tools. Since you manage other human beings, you must also develop some human qualities. Remember that the best teams are motivated teams. You need to connect with your team on a human level to encourage them.

Leading with empathy means understanding remote workers' unique challenges—from feelings of isolation to the struggle for work-life balance. Remember that you are in the same situation as they are. Trust your team to manage their time and tasks, and refrain from micromanaging.

Be transparent and keep your team in the loop with regular updates about company goals, changes, and any other essential news. This fosters a sense of belonging and keeps everyone aligned.

Regular training sessions or workshops can help teams upskill, stay updated with the latest technologies, and ensure everyone is on the same page. Plus, as the talent sees the resources and time being put into their professional development, they are more likely to stick with the company for the long run.

5. Cultivate a Healthy Remote Work Culture

And of course, you can do many team-building activities to have a robust and healthy team. Being remote is no excuse for not doing them. You can organize virtual team-building activities, casual catch-ups, or game nights to foster camaraderie and strengthen team bonds. At BairesDev, we have regular meetings called "Meet & Chill," where we simply shoot the breeze, talk about things other than work, and play games.

Encourage your team to take breaks. Just as in an office, reminding your team to take regular breaks to refresh and recharge is vital. This is imperative for those in creative fields, for some of the best ideas come while walking, taking a shower, or just resting. 

Finally, ensure there is a system for giving and receiving feedback. This not only helps in personal development but also in refining remote work processes. This can be done as part of the regular check-ins discussed in best practice No.3 or can be a separate meeting exclusively for providing feedback.

Conclusion

Remote work is a reality and, by all estimates, it is here to stay. By harnessing the power of technology and employing effective leadership strategies, businesses can ensure their remote teams are productive, engaged, and aligned with the organization's goals. As with any transformation, the journey of refining remote work is continuous. By staying adaptive and prioritizing open communication, businesses can adapt quickly, commit less mistakes, and attract the best talent available.