5 habits to succeed at remote management
Remote working allows individuals flexibility in the way they work and organisations substantial efficiency gains. The benefits of such work are undeniable and include increasing productivity, lowering stress levels, increasing happiness and reducing costs.
Despite the lengthy list of potential benefits in remote work, many organisations have been caught in a state of unpreparedness during recent global events. As workspaces have been vacated and home offices are becoming the new norm, companies and their staff have been rapidly exposed for their lack of remote management capabilities.
Much of our routine work has remained the same. It has simply drifted - albeit through rapids - to a virtual setting. However, we’re being left with more questions than answers.
How do I build the same momentum in an online sales meeting? How do I take a lunch break with a screaming child pulling at my leg? How do I give feedback to my employees?
Winners and losers
In 2019, Coaching Leadership was one of the hottest topics on the lips of leaders, and in agile development initiatives strung together by management committees. If the foreboding signs of enforced isolation and remote work were non-existent then, it was perhaps by chance that leaders wanted to reap the rewards of self-driven teams and flexible workplace cultures. It is no surprise then, that those who took action are those who are surviving - even thriving - right now.
Of course, this is not to say that sound remote management skills are the be all and end all during force majeures of this nature; organisations whose operations have been partly compromised, or completely paralysed will argue otherwise. Evidence however, suggests that the ability to maintain structure, rhythm, and strong communication can be a deciding factor in sinking or swimming.
The power of planning
For those who are navigating through the sudden change in their daily work, there is a growing awareness of the benefits and downfalls which accelerate or hinder business. Consequently, there will be many changes to our routine work, forever. After all, temporary crises often lead to permanent shifts, and a new status quo. Fortune favours the brave. Or perhaps it favours the prepared.
Here are our Top 5 Nanohabits for winning at remote management.
1. Create rules for fast and slow lane communication
Do not interrupt people without regard for personal productivity: Not every question needs an answer immediately. Set up fast and slow lanes for communication (call, instant messaging with slow and fast response times, etc.) and always ask yourself, how quickly you really need an answer. Select the lane accordingly.
2. Utilise a daily check in and check out system, each morning and each evening
Start the day by asking colleagues to “check in”. Ask them to share the most important things on their task list for that day. At the end of the day, encourage everyone to “check out”, with a list of the actual things they were able to complete.
3. Do not ask a remote worker “what did you do today?”. Instead, say “show me what you did today.”
Increase the visibility of action by asking staff to show you their work. This increases the quality and propensity of feedback, as well as increasing accountability of staff
4. Create a virtual coffee machine for your colleagues
Have a single, permanent chat room where anyone can hang out during the day to chat, post an occasional funny picture, and generally goof around. It can also be used to answer other work-related questions but the main purpose is to provide social cohesion.
5. Open up access to important data and tools
Is there something you could open access to which would make their roles easier and cut out unnecessary roadblocks? If not, can you find a more effective and efficient way of sharing updates?
Are you currently looking to boost your team or organisation’s remote management skills? Then, get in touch with one of our team at Nanohabits®, who have already helped thousands of people to overcome their challenges.
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