MANAGEMENT BLOG
A blog to discuss management related topics.
February 20, 2021
I'm sure there are a plenty of challenges that fit that build, but today, let's discuss managing remotely. Specifically, let's talk about the differences between managing individuals and teams that are local versus those that are in a remote location, whether that be in another building, another state, perhaps even another country!
One of the biggest benefits to having local team members is the time you can spend with them while working on projects, coaching them through things, providing advice on how to do this or that, but all of it really boils down to communication and time spent with that person. There's really nothing better than having a team locally if that is an option and it certainly helps from a management or coaching/mentoring perspective!
The key to managing remotely is for everyone on the team to act as if they are local, which could mean different things to different people, but it could mean: chiming in on an instant-messenger about the daily news like you would have at the water cooler, or stopping by for those quick advice sessions on how to get the perfect bubble sort algorithm, or even the sports highlights from the big game. The point here is that when the team is remote it is much easier for that seclusion to kick in and for folks to feel, well, lonely. There I said it. Sometimes you feel like a solo act instead of being in a team. But - there is hope!
The trick is to over communicate. It seems simple, because it is. Now, this won't solve every problem with being remote, but it will go a long way towards making you feel less like a solo-act on an open mic night at the local pub. While the solution is simple, it isn't necessarily easy in practice. Perhaps that seems a bit counter-intuitive? It is a little. It is simple in concept, but it is difficult to weave it into your daily routine in a way that would feel as natural as it would if you were at the office. The trick is to project yourself into the rooms (or in this case the contexts) in which you are speaking. If you are having a demo, make sure you're following along and ask questions or give tips and feedback like you would have if you were actually physically at the office. Now this is made slightly more difficult because there are more people remote and it is harder to know if Tom is going to chime in with a comment right after you've started talking, because the visual cues aren't there.
So, ettiquite is a bit different? Don't worry, you'll get through it. The point is, if you over communicate and make sure that folks hear your ideas, your feedback and your thoughts then your presence is still being felt by others and is 'in the room' so to speak. Just make sure that you're not in such a hurry to get yourself out there that you trample on others!
To summarize, make sure that you're reaching out to folks as you would if you could just walk over and talk to them. Just like you would have in the office. Instead of putting off those conversations because people are (or perhaps just feel like they are) out of pocket isn't the right approach. Curb that kind of thinking and put your efforts into finding more reasons to communicate with those folks instead of less and watch it pay dividends in how you feel about being connected for not just you, but for you co-workers as well!
December 8, 2015
Often, in management, one may get the idea that it is enough to just communicate details in the upward direction (e.g. to your manager), however, in today's fast paced workplaces this simply isn't enough.
In order to effectively lead and be part of a team, we must manage our relationships in all directions. If you aren't already doing this, it can certainly take some getting used to - but it is not an impossible task.
The key to managing in all directions is a two-fold strategy that I like to call CA, or Communication and Awareness. To be an effective manager or team leader, you must always be looking around assessing any given situation and planning accordingly.
For instance, while walking the halls of your workplace, you discover that some employees are talking about potential layoffs. You have not heard anything at all on this topic from your management or peers, however, you must be aware of the concerns that other employees are having, how it will impact your team, their work performance, their overall job satisfaction and their self worth, just to name a few.
Awareness by itself, is not enough. You must also be effectively communicating in all directions, all the time. As a manager, there are often confidential topics that cannot be discussed, but some form of communication to potential upcoming changes needs to occur in all directions.
Using the CA strategy, you will always be aware of your surroundings, concerns others are having, conversations and so forth and planning how to properly handle those situations while communicating effectively in all directions, all the time.