There are many ways to manage a remote software development team, whether you’re looking for new ways to manage teams remotely or fine-tuning procedures you gathered on the fly. All you have to do now is figure out which strategies will work best for you.
We’ve looked at some of the best practises that have emerged since the globe went remote in March 2020, and we’ve come up with 12 tips to manage a remote software development team. Three key threads run across each strategy, i.e., trust, clarity, and connection.
Examine how each recommendation can help you improve your strategy, build your team’s foundations, and bring your remote developers’ team closer together so that you are getting ready to prepare for whatever changes the coming year brings.
How does Remote Work Differ From Traditional Work?
A remote job differs from the daily work structure in several ways. As a result, remote work needs various abilities and skills as compared to traditional work situations. For example, remote work needs improved time management, the capacity to follow established processes, and the ability to interact effectively by utilising information and communications technology.
Employees and managers may lack remote work expertise and believe that the rules that are applied in the office can be applied in the same way to the remote domain.
Because of the contrasts between remote and traditional work, managers may need to reconsider how they hire developers and onboard remote workers. If this isn’t considered all these things, managers may see themselves with personnel that would thrive in a co-located situation but suffers in a remote environment.
- Lack of trust
- Lack of clear expectations
- Communication gap
- Reduce productivity
Tips to Manage a Remote Development Team
With more developers working remotely, the manager’s role is also changing accordingly. Managers are also confused about how they are supposed to manage the development team since they only meet the team once in a while. This offers new challenges for managers. That’s why we’ve included some tips to manage the remote developer here.
Set Clear, Actionable Goal and Stay Focused
When everyone in a team is aiming for the same goal, the team’s work boosts productivity. Whether you have a particular project objective for your team to meet or smaller goals for individual members of your team, they should be easy to comprehend. This doesn’t mean you have to lay out the procedure to get there, though having deadlines, KPIs to track, and standards to meet should all assist your team to understand what you’re asking of them.
These objectives are essential for bringing the entire team on the same page and focus. Utilizing online useful tools such as an Excel to-do list may help you maintain track of your team’s work and confirm that everyone is up to date on the daily task being performed.
Schedule Frequently Management Meetings
Meeting with your team on a regular basis is critical for sustaining communication and developing connections. You can utilise these sessions to examine project updates, provide feedback, and solve any issues that your team may encounter.
While periodic meetings are essential, don’t neglect the value of spontaneous gatherings. While these sorts of meetings might be beneficial, there is an urgent issue that needs to be managed. Create a meeting calendar for the team and ensure that everyone has access to it.
Excessive Communication is Essential for Remote Development Team
“Over-communicate” is one management tip for remote software development team. What exactly does this imply? Communication is essential when you are managing a remote developer’s team because you don’t have the same group of casual connections as you do in face-to-face interactions.
Sending follow-up emails following VoIP phone calls is another option. This ensures that all issues are covered and that no queries remain unanswered.
Keep track of Multiple Time Zones
Companies that operate with virtual teams can commonly hire remote developers throughout the world. While this has its benefits, working across different time zones can make it challenging for the manager to organise everyday operations effectively and efficiently.
Virtual teams with developers from diverse time zones can face several constraints in interpersonal transmission and interactive feedback.
Hence, make use of time coincident wherever possible. Managers should schedule regular check-ins and collaborative projects and, at this time, take advantage of them.
Stop Micromanaging your Remote Development Team
Managers of remote developers want them to be able to conduct their careers without continual supervision. Remote developers choose to work from home because they appreciate their independence. The remote developers will become frustrated, which will have a direct impact on their performance and productivity.
Consequences, rather than focusing on their behaviour, hold them responsible for the outcome. Creating an ownership-type culture is very important if you’re working with remote developers from different time zones. Resist the urge to micromanage your team members as long as they meet their deadlines and fulfil their responsibilities.
Eradicate Communication Gaps among Team
When working remotely, the chances of communication gaps are much higher. As a result, any remote manager’s first objective should be to remove communication gaps. When working in a group, everyone must follow the same work method and be on the same page. For this to happen, there must be enough transparency in the workplace.
Value Diverse Culture in Remote Developers
Working on a diverse team entails collaborating with distant developers from many cultures. When giving criticism or making comments about how they do their task, keep these cultural variances in mind.
Avoid alienating your software developers by employing regional terms or giving the impression that you like to collaborate with folks from the same culture.
Create Trust in Remote Development Team
Because members of a remote software development team do not have face-to-face interactions, they must focus on creating trust with one another. This may be accomplished by holding regular conference calls and brief meetings to familiarise everyone with how they operate together.
Another strategy to create rapport is to give useful online tools that allow team members to communicate ideas and opinions and motivate self-management among developers who aren’t constantly on-site.
Be sympathetic, patient, and supportive
Remote management needs to keep patience, support, and empathy, which are essential qualities for any leadership position overseeing a project. It is critical to establish an environment in which employees feel free to explore other viewpoints and ideas when seeking answers or providing suggestions without any worry of negative feedback. As a result, you must establish a culture of approval, inclusivity, and clarity where your remote developers feel comfortable reaching forward with relevant issues or problems that they might be facing, which affects their productivity.
Annually Plan for Company Reunion
Remote software development team require natural ways to create trust. This includes annual get-togethers that allow the team to mix and interact in a relaxed atmosphere while discussing their unique initiatives. This is an excellent chance for team-building events and activities.
Sharing Effective Feedback
Providing feedback is an essential part of dealing with a remote team. While giving the feedback, make sure to convey both positive feedback and constructive criticism. Feedback enables the employees to learn what they are accomplishing well and where they can enhance it. It also helps create trust and relationships between managers and employees.
Make sure you’re providing feedback frequently. You may do it in one-on-one sessions once a week or once a month, or in a more casual discussion. The most crucial factor is that your feedback is constant.
Timely Boost Employee’s Motivation
The confidence of a team is nearly always strongly connected to its production. As a manager, it is your responsibility to maintain track of your team’s mood. And if you notice your team’s average mood dipping below normal, it’s time to provide motivators and rewards.
Takeaway
While transitioning to remote work might be problematic at first, it’s essential to strike a balance between work and rest. To start, create a simple strategy that includes frequent breaks during work time.
You should always keep in mind that not all of these time management tips will apply to everyone. Experimenting with several methods from the list is the best approach to identify the most effective strategy for you.
In the end, time is the most precious resource we have, and how we spend it has a great impact on our productivity. Effective time management may give you a sense of control and security.
If you’re very solemn about enhancing your time management knacks, carefully follow the given list of valuable tips to manage a remote software development team and boost your company’s productivity and performance.
