What would you do if the staff you manage were scattered at different locations around the country?  Last week, we discussed how distance can magnify the ordinary difficulties of management, so that issues like communication, building strong teams, monitoring performance and coaching, can morph into even bigger challenges.

As an employee or manager, even if you’re not currently in a “remote management” situation, chances are you could be at some point during your career.  We can thank globalization and ever-changing technology that makes it possible to work and connect from anywhere.

But being connected is not the same as having relationships -as anyone with hundreds of Facebook friends can tell you.  And building remote relationships -plus maintaining them-, will require more preparation, coordination and effort.

Suggestions for building stronger teams:

• Have a common purpose for the group.  In addition to individual performance standards, the group should share some goals.

• Develop and adhere to a schedule of virtual meetings or web conference calls.  We are creatures of habit and like to know what to expect and when, especially when separated from the group.  Following the same routines and practices helps create cohesion.

• Create a “password protected” webpage where members can stay current on projects and share info and photos.  Try memberhub.com and unifier.com

• Don’t underestimate our fundamental social need for belonging (remember Maslow’s “hierarchy of needs”). We want to be part of a group, and share ups and downs with others.  Therefore, never pass an opportunity to celebrate success (an individual’s or the group’s).

• If time allows, have 5 minutes of “no-shop-talk” at each call.  Encourage your staff to socialize, banter about pets, kids, vacation plans.

• Nothing can replace real human interaction so, if the budget allows, schedule a face-to-face meeting at one location at least yearly; plan team-building or other group activities.

Like any long-distance relationship, managing a productive team from afar is difficult but CAN be achieved by careful planning and by taking advantage of every resource and technology available to you as a manager.

© Copyright Eva Del Rio