How to Manage a Remote Team Without Burning Out
Door Danny Forest
1. Swap Audio for Video
1.1. Video calls are a placeholder for genuine connection when you can be co-located.
1.2. Being on video makes it harder for your team to multitask during meetings.
1.3. Hence, your people are more present and engaged.
2. Overcommunicate
2.1. Level set expectations, such as how the team will:
2.1.1. Share information
2.1.2. Give feedback
2.1.3. Manage projects and deadlines
2.1.4. Make decisions
2.1.5. Assign task owners
2.2. Make sure to reinforce the team’s goals and purpose.
2.3. Encourage them not to see this as a vacation, but an opportunity to contribute and create value.
2.4. Make it very explicit that transparency, trust, and knowledge-sharing are key priorities.
3. Have a Daily Huddle
3.1. Make it a simple 15–20 meeting, the same time every morning, where every team member (including you) answers 3 questions:
3.1.1. What did I accomplish yesterday?
3.1.2. What will I do today?
3.1.3. What obstacles, if any, are impeding my progress?
4. Set Up Pairing Sessions
4.1. Match up two team members to work together on a project.
4.2. They can each work on separate tasks or use the time as a brainstorming / working session on a shared project.
4.3. This is a great way to stave off loneliness and isolation as well as boost accountability.
5. Remember Not Everything Has to be a Meeting
5.1. Use a tool like Loom to record short videos and screen shares.
6. Don’t Use Messenger as Attendance
6.1. Trust your team and allow them to pop on “Do Not Disturb” mode to get focused work done
6.2. Be flexible and understanding if there’s some background noise or kids running by on video calls.
7. Create a Celebration Channel
7.1. Keep morale high by making a deliberate effort to celebrate and recognize your employees.
7.2. Create a channel in Slack or a similar tool where your team can high-five each other and share wins.
7.3. Start meetings by going around and asking each team member to share a highlight from their day.
8. Use One on Ones to Check-In
8.1. Exercise empathy and don’t forget that your team is human, too.
8.2. Use one-on-ones as an opportunity to check-in and ask questions like:
8.2.1. What is working well?
8.2.2. Where are you feeling challenged?
8.2.3. How can I support you?
8.2.4. What do you need from me to be successful?