COVID-19 has turned the majority of our workspaces into remote offices. And while some teams are adapting to this quickly, others aren’t handling this change all that well. In my sales training, I’ve been working with remote sales teams for years.
If you’ve found yourself tasked with running a remote team, I’ve put together seven tips you can use to manage your team like a BOSS!
1. Interaction is key.
Webcams are required on all meetings and group chats to drive team engagement. Ball caps and no make-up are encouraged. We want to see your smiling face. Use Skype, Zoom, GotoMeeting, Facetime. Zoom offers a free 45-minute meeting account.
2. Time-block critical interactions.
You need to block out time for critical job-related activities. It is easy to lose focus at home. Let your calendar be your guide. Block time for everything.
3. Daily check-ins.
These are quick 5-minute check-ins to keep people focused. How is it going? What can I do to help? What if they have nothing to report? These are ONLY 5-minute check-ins to keep people focused. Webcams require here too. These are not scheduled calls. These are spontaneous calls. The goal is truly not to catch people walking their dog. But, if the dog is a distraction, then this call brings them back to task.
4. Put accountability metrics in place.
What do you expect? Lay it out in good old plain English. Be realistic, but be direct. People left to their own devices most often default to the easy path. (Be sure to follow all applicable labor laws on this one.)
5. Do NOT become a micro-manager.
Managers set accountability metrics in place and then leave people alone. But, that does not mean ignore people. Check-in regularly. Micro-managers want to see every detail. Stop. Trust your team. If you did not hire the right person that is on you as the hiring manager.
6. Celebrate wins no matter the size.
Create a Slack channel for wins or a mobile text thread or an email thread for wins. Every win, no matter the size should be celebrated. Make it a priority.
7. Do not let up on your remote management plan.
Many members of your team are just waiting for you to take your foot off the pedal. Don’t do it. Stay vigilant.
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About Ryan: Ryan Dohrn is an award-winning ad sales training coach, a nationally recognized internet sales consultant and in international motivational speaker. He is the author of the best-selling ad sales book, Selling Backwards. He is the President and founder of Brain Swell Media and 360 Ad Sales Training, a boutique ad sales training and sales coaching firm with a detailed focus on ad sales training, internet consulting and media revenue generation. Ryan is also the Publisher of Sales Training World.
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