Team management can be done remotely, but it's important to keep in mind that not everyone communicates the same way. This article dives into the ins and outs of managing remote teams.
When it comes to remote management, some people prefer the freedom of not being in a common office or phone conversations. Others need more focus and structure. For teams that work remotely, some choose to do video calls while others keep it simple by having text-based chat tools available within their project management software (that they likely already use). It’s about finding a communication tool that works for you and your team.
But even with regular video calls, it’s important to keep in mind that not everyone communicates the same way. So how do we support everyone on our teams, whether they’re looking to be heard or just need to be left alone? It all has to do with showing kindness.
As for what it takes to show kindness, I came across an article that explains how empathy plays a part. According to the article, empathy isn’t just about trying to see things from another person’s perspective; it’s also about projecting that perspective onto your own feelings and actions in order to make it clear how you feel in a given moment.
For example, you can show empathy to someone by saying “I can see why this would be frustrating for you because this happened,” and then explain what the other person did that was so frustrating. This builds understanding between team members and shows them they’re not alone in how they’re feeling.
Making Sure Your Team Knows They Are Understood.
This is a great step towards establishing solid relationships between your teammates, but it also goes beyond that by allowing teammates to understand each other better so they can work together more effectively. This means things like being on the same page about how long your projects will take and making sure everyone knows what’s going on.
Of course, this is important for team management, too. Being aware of what’s happening in your department creates transparency and allows you to better delegate responsibilities so that all members have clear goals. Making sure your team knows they’re understood builds trust and communication, which are the most crucial things teams need to be effective. When everyone else has a clear understanding of what’s going on, they can work more collaboratively and stay focused on the bigger picture.
As for how to show kindness, you might want to consider having a management style that prioritizes relationships over task completion (here’s an article about different types of managers). See if your team members are open to talking with you about their feelings instead of just doing what they’re told. Sometimes all it takes is some empathy from a manager in order to really get the ball rolling and make your team feel more included.
For example, if you have an overly-stressed out teammate who’s always on edge, try giving them space by asking if they want to talk or asking them what they need help with in order to feel calmer. You can also show your team that you’re there by saying something like, “If you ever want to talk about anything, I have some time right now.”
That’s the beauty of showing kindness; it doesn’t always have to be done in a big way as long as you’re doing it with the right intention.
In Conclusion
Empathy and trust are key to building solid relationships, which leads to better communication on your team, more transparency, goal clarity, and a calmer work environment. If this sounds like something that would help your business, start by asking yourself what you can do today to be kinder to your team.
