The Great Divide - Remote & In Office Teams - The New Normal That Is Here to Stay!
How can managers balance culture, remote workers, toxic attitudes, and teams in a remote environment? Let's just say that things have certainly changed and so should the approach to balancing your team. In this current climate, actual people leaders are going to earn their coin and find themselves to be most effective.
For those businesses that continue to look for the cheat code that will get people back into the building, my suggestion would be to use your creative energy on a more solvable problem within your business. Remote work is here to stay and what you will not offer, your service competitor will. In doing so, they will pouch your best and most promising talent.
I'm here to help so let's look a little deeper into this to see what we can do to make this work for everyone. The key is rethinking and creating the right culture. Pre-COVID culture in a post-COVID workplace will bring horrendous results.
Balancing culture, remote workers, toxic attitudes, and team dynamics can be challenging for managers, but there are several points and steps they can take to maximize productivity in such situations.
When asked "What are some points and steps a group can take to maximize productivity and create balance" I give the following steps to think about and consider.
1. Foster a positive team culture: Develop and communicate a strong team culture that values respect, collaboration, and open communication. Make sure all team members, including remote workers, are aware of the team's values and expected behavior.
2. Address toxic attitudes promptly: Toxic attitudes can be detrimental to team morale and productivity. Identify toxic behaviors or attitudes and address them promptly through constructive feedback or, if necessary, disciplinary actions. Encourage a culture of accountability and ensure that all team members are treated fairly.
3. Promote regular communication: Communication is crucial, especially in a remote work environment. Schedule regular team meetings, both virtual and in-person if possible, to foster open dialogue, address concerns, and maintain team cohesion. Utilize various communication tools and channels to keep remote workers engaged and connected.
4. Encourage inclusive decision-making: Involve the entire team, including remote workers, in decision-making processes. Seek input, ideas, and feedback from all team members to promote a sense of ownership and inclusion. This approach helps in reducing feelings of isolation and increases overall engagement.
5. Provide clear expectations and goals: Clearly communicate performance expectations, goals, and deadlines to all team members. Ensure that remote workers have a clear understanding of their roles, responsibilities, and deliverables. This clarity helps remote workers stay focused and aligned with the team's objectives.
6. Offer support and resources: Remote workers may face unique challenges due to their physical separation from the team. Provide necessary support, resources, and tools to help them effectively perform their duties. This may include access to appropriate technology, training opportunities, or flexible work arrangements.
7. Encourage team-building activities: Foster a sense of camaraderie and build relationships among team members by organizing virtual team-building activities. This could include online games, virtual coffee breaks, or team challenges. These activities promote team bonding and help alleviate feelings of isolation.
8. Lead by example: Managers play a crucial role in setting the tone for the team. Lead by example, exhibiting positive behaviors and attitudes, and demonstrating the values you expect from the team. Address conflicts or issues promptly, fairly, and with empathy.
9. Provide opportunities for professional growth: Support the professional growth and development of all team members, including remote workers. Offer opportunities for training, skill enhancement, and career advancement. This investment in their development can boost their motivation and productivity.
10. Seek feedback and adapt: Regularly seek feedback from team members, both individually and collectively, regarding their experiences, challenges, and suggestions for improvement. Actively listen to their concerns and adapt your management strategies accordingly to create a positive and productive work environment.
Managing a remote team with diverse dynamics requires ongoing effort, adaptability, and effective communication. By implementing these strategies, you can help maximize productivity and create a healthy work environment for your team, regardless of their location or attitudes.
That said, every team has that one or two things that make them unique. These steps are to be considered in the creation of an elevated culture. We are interested in helping you elevate yours.
Let's talk about you, your culture, your team, your clients & your bottom line.
Zero Teams Limits
Advanced Perspectives Business Team Coaching
p: 531-300-1324
