Managing a team in person is a challenge. Now, managers around the world are confronted with a new dimension that is virtual team management. For the current COVID-19 pandemic, we can't expect it to be only for the short term, but for many of us (such as IT), virtual work will be the future. Major tech giants are embracing remote work.
Whether we are managing the team virtually short-term or long-term, it is presenting a set of interesting challenges in addition to the classic obstacles we have. The most difficult part, but it is important, is to keep the team in touch with their way.
Here are the challenges I have experienced in my virtual leadership career.
Communication
When we are physically present, communication is very easy. We can see the body language, read non-verbal communication, and other natural observations. However in the virtual space with efficient communication is the most difficult part.
We have so many technical tools available to us, but the most important is to inculcate a culture of communication. As managers and team leaders, we should begin by providing daily updates, check-ins with your team, and communicating on a case-by-case basis. It's a little cumbersome at first, but eventually, the team follows us.
Productivity
With virtual teams, it is very to hard see who is working who is not. Setting smaller goals, the short deadlines will help you to manage them to a certain extent. The use of tracking tools (JIRA, Planner, Trello, etc.) will assist in keeping the team on track.
Trust
When it comes to trust it is two folds. To demonstrate trust and earn trust. A strong communication culture will build trust within the team. We must listen more and engage in frank conversations. Showing empathy, especially in today's COVID context, can build a strong relationship with the team.
Emotional Stability
Naturally, People are looking for social interaction, interaction with their Family. In this pandemic situation specially, lack of such interaction and working long hours at home may adversely affect mental health and emotions. Emotional stability is strongly related to productivity and efficiency.
Things we may do,
- Contributes to work-life balance.
- Do not continue to stretch the time they have used for evening exercise or commuting.
- Have a flexible schedule. Also, a few short pauses between work.
- Take a moment to recognize and appreciate their long hours of work and achievement.
