Ever managed a remote employee or been a part of a virtual team? If so, then you understand some of the difficulties that come along with not being in the office everyday with all your team members. Here a few simple tips to help make a successful and cohesive virtual team.
Communication!
So your team doesn’t have an office or most of your team is scattered across the country … or world. No problem. However, you will need to amp up the communication whether that be via email, phone, text, or video chats. And that means you too—make sure you remain readily available to help and assist anyone from your team with questions or concerns. It’s important to keep everyone on the same page and accountable for their work. That way, both your team and you benefit in the long run.
Think Realistically
Acknowledge that your team is busy and tackling several projects at once. It can be difficult keeping tabs on everyone when they are not sitting at desks right in front of you, but that doesn’t mean that they are not working hard. Make sure you assign manageable tasks that can be completed in the time you have allotted and have each team member maintain a task list. Use the task list as a good way to track progress, push when deadlines are not being met, and provide praise when deserved. Otherwise both you and your team will become disappointed.
Incentivize Rewards
It’s easy to give motivational comments or words of thanks to your employees directly, but it’s easy to forget to thank them when they’re not right in front of you. Be sure to say thank you, give bonuses, or send a gift card. Whatever you choose to do to say thanks, do it. Your team will appreciate your gratitude and know that their hard work is being appreciated.
Have any other tips to offer about creating successful virtual teams? Tweet @StarterNoise using #virtualteam to let us know!
Derek Rundell, is a successful business leader, operator, and serial entrepreneur. Derek has founded, managed and sold businesses in the technology, media and finance industries. He sits on several boards and serves as an advisor/investor to numerous established businesses and startups. Startups are Derek’s real passion, and in addition to building his own portfolio of technology, media and financial ventures, he invests in and mentors startups and entrepreneurs. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge and helping other businesses succeed.