10 Effective Strategies for Management of High Performance Virtual Teams

Remote work is becoming more of a standard as time moves on, and managing virtual teams effectively is a skill that supervisors and team leaders need to have. We're not saying this is easy, but if a company wants to get the best from remote workers, they can't ignore the fact that it requires a different approach in some vital areas. This article discusses the best practices in virtual team management to make sure results are achieved on a consistent basis.

1. Set Clear Communication Rules

Successful teams of any sort have effective communication at their core. Ambiguity or misunderstanding can lead to confusion, delayed deadlines, and – of course – low productivity. With virtual teams, there are multiple communication channels, such as emails, video calls, and messaging platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams. And the traditional channel – that if in-person, face-to-face meetings, isn't possible. So the first thing to do is to set expectations on response time and quality of communication. And don't forget that no-one must be allowed to “hide”: open discussions and listening properly enable people to work transparently and on a proper team basis.

2. Use The Right Technology

Technology also helps bridge the gap between virtual team members. Video conferencing tools such as Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams enable face-to-face communication. Though these aren't as effective as if you're in the same room, they are the best you have … so use them. Project management tools like Trello, Asana, or Monday.com help track tasks and deadlines. Google Drive, WeTransfer and Dropbox cloud storage offer simple file sharing. And don't forget tools such as Toggl or Clockify which help track productivity and working hours. As you can see, there's a lot you can use, so you have no excuse to feel isolated or out of control … you simply have to use them!

3. Set Clear Objectives and Expectations

A remote work arrangement requires well-defined objectives and targets to direct employees. SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) objectives provide direction and encouragement. (Maybe you'd like to check out our course on Setting SMART Goals? Just a thought…) Defined roles and responsibilities, offering work plans and timelines will enable effective workflow. And regular progress monitoring and constructive feedback – of a positive as well as a critical nature – facilitate continuous improvement of staff.

4. Encourage Team Involvement and Cooperation

Virtual teams are always vulnerable to social isolation, which destroys morale and collaboration. Make sure you encourage informal virtual get-togethers: things like virtual coffee breaks or team-building events, and you'll build camaraderie. Using collaboration tools like Miro for brainstorming enhances creativity, but they also create an important sense of working together.



Make sure, too, that you acknowledging people's achievements so you raise morale and motivation. All these will create a sense of belonging. People who work far away will feel a genuine part of the group.

5. Build a Robust Company Culture

Company culture is critical in unifying teams and maintaining job satisfaction. This means that line managers, team leaders and staff supervisors need to work hard to promote these core values. And don't forget that trust and openness between staff will also create a good, positive work culture. Regular virtual team-building and a recognition culture make everyone feel valued and appreciated.

6. Provide Regular Feedback and Performance Appraisals

As we've said, not being physically present makes it easy for employees to feel out of touch, and this extends to their own development. Frequent one-on-one sessions, constructive criticism that includes steps for action, and recognition of effort are all good strategies here. It's commonsense to say that employees who feel seen and appreciated will be more productive and engaged.

7. Enhance Employee Training and Development

Following on from making employees feel appreciated, use continuous learning opportunities to keep team members engaged and able to upgrade their skill levels. Make sure you give your team access to webinars, online coursework, and mentorship. At ZandaX, we've seen it many times over: that training employees is an investment in participation and reduced staff turnover, as well as another way to keep remote workers feeling valued members of the team.

8. Encourage Work-Life Balance

Remote work may blur the lines between personal and professional life, and this can result in a lack of focus, or even burnout. So you need to stress the importance of setting boundaries, which include having defined working hours, and taking regular breaks. If you can afford (or justify) them, wellness programs and mental health support resources can be made available for the well-being of employees, and – properly managed – will usually result in increased productivity and job satisfaction.

9. Develop a Remote Work Policy

An effectively designed remote work policy enables consistency and smooth functioning. It should include communication and cybersecurity rules so that everyone works in the same way. Well-defined performance targets and measurement criteria will keep staff accountable. And use data protection measures and IT support to protect company data and create extra trust among employees.

10 Use Data-Driven Decision Making

Tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) enables managers to make informed decisions about operations and performance.



Abid Salahi, co-founder of FinlyWealth, says “Using KPIs effectively requires selecting the metrics that align with the company's goals so they drive meaningful improvements. Businesses can also use analytics tools to track productivity, engagement, and efficiency to enhance overall effectiveness.”

Conclusion

Leadership, communication, and technology are essential if you want to effectively lead a virtual team. You don't need to use all the strategies we've outlined here, but think about how they apply to you, and implement what's relevant – and possible. When you do this, you'll establish a productive and positive remote team, and ensure a level of long-term success that may surprise you.