Today, many big companies set up departments or offices in different cities, states, or countries. A lot of companies have business partners and employees composed of remote teams.
If you are managing remote employees or have colleagues that work in various locations or countries, it is important to stay connected. Listed below are tips on how to be an effective communicator.
1. Don't be afraid to give honest feedback.
Emails and phones are the primary ways of connecting with your remote team. Just because you don't see these employees in person doesn't mean that you shouldn't let them know what is important to you and what your expectations are. Be straightforward and honest with your offshore team if they were not able to meet your standards. Give them a chance to make it right.
2. Use the phone and/or video chat.
Email and messaging are convenient when it comes to communicating, but don't require the two to be both available, just focus on one communication tool. When you need to brainstorm, get feedback, plan for a project, or go ever campaigns, it is important to use Skype or Facetime without waiting for an email that possibly delay of the answer to your questions.
3. Keep in touch.
There is nothing wrong with communicating with your remote team especially when the project is due the following day. A check-in once a week via an email can help you see where your offshore team is struggling.
Furthermore, there are several things you can do to make the most out of your offshore employees. Here are some guidelines for managing remote employees.
Schedule weekly team meetings.
Communicate in diverse ways like email, texting, phone call, and Facetime/Skype
Highlight the larger goal.
Trust the ability and knowledge of your remote team.
Managing remote employees may take some time to get used to at first, but in many ways, it is like having your employees in the same office.