When working remotely, it can be hard to separate ourselves from our work. Without an office to leave, it’s all too easy to never turn off.
Remote work, which inevitably means fewer interactions between team members, can make managers and leaders overcompensate for distance. The impulse is perfectly rational, but giving in to it will not benefit anyone.
Read on to learn the tips I use to interact and engage with team members productively.
Schedule regular check-ins
Take the time to schedule regular, structured check-ins on your team’s calendars instead of surprising your team with meetings or constantly pestering them through chat.
Regular meetings allow team members to feel heard, report progress, ask questions, and address concerns. They also provide peace of mind by knowing where everything’s at. With a good structure in place, you won’t feel the need to frequently check in.
Use collaborative tools
Easy collaboration and transparency are great tools for relieving the stress of wondering what is going on with a project or client. Putting in place rules of engagement can reduce stress by determining how and when to use these tools.
It’s essential, though, to not make these tools a kind of micromanagement in their own right. There should be instructions on how to use the tool, and you should check in from time to time, but it doesn’t have to be constant. Making this mistake will only result in negativity toward the technology that makes remote working possible.
Don’t micromanage yourself
Understanding how to work from home healthily and productively includes not applying undue pressure on yourself. Respecting others’ boundaries also means setting your own boundaries. To avoid fatigue, burnout, and disenchantment, learn to harmonize your work and personal life.
I’m curious, remote leaders, what methods do you use to effectively manage your teams?