One of the undeniable effects of a global pandemic is the proliferation of remote teams made up of millions who were forced to work from home. Many remained remote workers even when restrictions were relaxed.
Remote working has been welcomed by many, establishing a better work/life balance for some. However, it brings along a new set of issues. How can you avoid the common communication problems that companies with remote teams are experiencing?
First, it’s good to know that you’re not alone. Our methods of communication have shifted drastically, but we can implement focused checks and run through some useful troubleshooting suggestions to overcome remote team issues.
Second, statistics show there are great benefits to having remote teams and better profits.
Worth ironing out a few problems? We think so!
No Common Purpose or Goal
As the legendary Stephen Covey of the book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People pointed out: “If the ladder is not leaning against the right wall, every step we take just gets us to the wrong place faster.”
The moment your remote team is not all on the same page, disaster and confusion will not be far behind.
The Solution
Founder of the Institute for Future Learning and Harvard University Instructor Julie Wilson put it succinctly saying,
“Managing a virtual team requires managers to double down on the fundamentals of good management, including establishing clear goals, running great meetings, communicating clearly, and leveraging team members’ individual and collective strengths.”
Work to create an adhesive remote team and experience healthy team dynamics when the goals are clear and regularly highlighted. Daily team ‘huddles’, as they are often called, serve to keep everyone facing in the same direction.
Implement accountability all along the way. Tracking goals and offering commendation on achieving them will earn cooperation from remote teams.
Inconsistent Systems or Processes
In the new world of remote teams, technology becomes paramount. Systems and processes that allow companies small and great to remain in functional flow despite exterior disruptions are essential.
That said, it is a tricky beast. Being a first-time world occurrence, businesses have had to take their best stab at setting up processes and systems that incorporate remote teams. Switching systems, even if it is an improvement, and throw remote teams out of kilter.
The Solution
Before you decide to switch to any new methodology (just because you heard your competition is using it and everyone loves it), do yourself a favour and speak to reputable companies in the know who can assess your individual needs first. Then you can have confidence in implementing change without looking inconsistent to your remote teams.
Get everyone’s buy-in when you feel it paramount to change systems or processes. Inviting cooperation works way better than implementing new processes onto your remote team without explanation or invitation for comment.
Keep everyone on board by asking for feedback as they begin a new process or system and offer to help overcome problems as they arise. There may well be some push-back as individuals slip back into old habits, but it’s up to management to drive the change, positively.
Trouble Adapting to New Systems
It may be easy for you to see how and why a new system will improve things, but you may experience a lag as some in your remote team struggle to adapt. Not everyone is a fan of change.
That does not mean you should fire them nor shy away from the tools and software that would make the difference for you. Nor does it mean bowing under the pressure of “the way it’s always been done.”
The Solution
A show of faith in your remote team will assist them to step up to the plate. Provide training sessions and never discourage repeat instructions until everyone is comfortable with your new system.
Set up internal webinars or podcasts so that those who want to hear the instruction again, can easily get back to the part they may be struggling with. Encouragement, commendation, and persistence will win over even the most ardent advocate of the old ways.
Too Much Chatter
Unlike the world of espionage where listening to chatter is a lifeline for National Security, online chatter among remote workers is proving counterproductive. We’re grateful to have so many communication tools to connect us, but how much is too much?
From Google Hangouts, Slack, WhatsApp groups, email, and various in-house tools, information can quickly get lost, and communication turns into miscommunication with a few strokes of the keyboard.
The Solution
A sure-fire cure for this destructive reality is to make use of a single CRM tool that provides internal team communication and that supports transparent two-way chat for your remote team. There are some brilliant tools where information that concerns everyone is posted on a community platform in an orderly fashion.
Effective onboarding for new team members makes sense whether your team is scattered all over the world or all in the same town. Train new employees to use the tools that you have implemented right from the start. When everyone is kept simultaneously updated, no one gets left out of the loop and there is less to chatter about.
Networking principles seriously apply as much within a company as without when it comes to remote team efficacy. Good communication is only that when it works to everyone’s benefit. Provide ways for your remote team to get to know each other constructively.
CRM tools offer a host of benefits while keeping your team on the same virtual page.
The Future of Remote Teams
Fascinating stats show that 99% of remote workers want to continue telecommuting in the future. Life is changing, fast. So, join the revolution by getting on top of the new reality in the worldwide work landscape.
We at StormSpace tailor solutions for companies. We find the best CRM software for your particular needs and we walk with you to set up and implement systems and tools that will see your remote team thrive. Chat with us and let us detail the dedicated support that you can expect with a real CRM specialist.
