As the COVID-19 pandemic begins to ease, it is an opportune time to reflect on the skills we have developed and honed during these challenging times. We have displayed adaptability, resilience, collaboration and technological proficiency as business professionals, enabling us to continue to operate in a variety of difficult circumstances.
The pandemic has forced us to reconsider what constitutes effective teamwork and how to collaborate on projects without being in the same physical space. We have gained insights into how to work together effectively in a remote environment and have seen that some groups have managed the transition to this new normal better than others.
Teamwork is essential for increased production and efficiency, and remote collaboration is something that must be nurtured in the future, with many organizations implementing remote working arrangements or alternatives. This article examines the methods businesses are taking to maintain their competitive edge in remote teamworking.
Tackling Difficult Issues
The initial step to optimize collaboration between remote teams is to address the difficulties that stem from working in isolation. These can include, but are not limited to, the following issues.
Poor exchange of information.
Effective communication is essential for successful collaboration, however this can be challenging when people are not in the same physical location. Time differences, technological issues, and the inability to interpret body language can all be obstacles to successful remote communication.Inefficient methods.
Successful collaboration requires robust routines to be in place, including established procedures, productive team meetings, and regular review and editing. Without consensus on the operational details, successful implementation of cooperation can be hindered.Damaged morale in the workplace.
It is essential for teams to have a shared understanding when collaborating. This should include an understanding of the company’s history, as well as a comprehensive list of industry terminology, in any language used. Without this, there may be a lack of trust and the team may struggle to work together effectively.Poor communication between parties.
When team members are unable to access the same documents and technical difficulties prevent conference calls from taking place, there is a decrease in teamwork which can lead to heightened levels of frustration and a slower rate of progress.
The sections that follow detail potential approaches to these problems and how to handle them.
Incorporating Appropriate Technology
The correct software can greatly facilitate effective remote communication and cooperation. Video conferencing, for example, provides the same level of conversation as a phone call, but also allows team members to observe each other’s nonverbal cues. This can make a significant difference in the productivity of teamwork and make distant communication feel more personal.
The recreation of a typical workplace setting can provide numerous benefits. For example, teams may benefit from the use of virtual whiteboards to more effectively display concepts and the relationships between different elements of the project. Additionally, tools such as file-sharing programmes, cloud-based data storage services, project management applications and automation software are essential for the successful operation of remote teams.
It is important to remember that some team members may require additional training on specific technological matters. Best practices for video conferencing include maintaining eye contact with the camera and speaking directly into it, using social media tools to allow participants to respond to one another in real time and adopting asynchronous communication strategies to enable virtual meetings even when all members are not available simultaneously.
Enhancing Interactions Through Better Conversation
Technology, however powerful, will not be able to improve teamwork without effective communication. For successful project management, team leaders must ensure that all objectives, milestones and deliverables are clearly outlined from the outset. Each team member must be aware of their responsibilities and how their contribution can help to achieve the project’s goals.
Throughout the duration of the project, team leaders and members should keep everyone aware of their progress and any issues that may be impeding them. Problem-solving is a key aspect of teamwork, but no help can be provided if people are unaware of the difficulties faced by their colleagues. It is essential to pre-establish regular meetings, deliverables and the frequency at which teams will provide updates.
The Art of Running Effective Meetings
Virtual gatherings provide the same degree of flexibility as those held in person. In the event of an unexpected meeting, team members should be directed to invite any individuals who could be of benefit to, or contribute to the discussion. The following are some methods to improve prearranged meetings:
Make plans
and distribute it in advance of the gathering. This should be led by a single individual.Set an intention and work toward it.
What is it that you hope to achieve? Plan ahead to ensure that you achieve your objective by the meeting’s finish.You should write things down.
The minutes of team meetings should be taken by a single individual and then sent out to everyone or posted in a central internet site.Gathering should be taped.
Virtual meetings offer the advantage of being able to be recorded for playback at a later stage. It is advisable to keep the recording close to your notes for easy reference.
Making Methods
Remote working necessitates the same standard operating procedures as those in a conventional office setting. What cloud platform could we use to access professional expertise, for example, if our team is creating reports on industry trends? Where can I find the drafts of the report? How will the status of the report be monitored? How do you intend to keep a record of key dates and events?
It is essential to consider the channels that should be employed for different messages. Does the live chat service provide separate channels for different projects, groups or conversations? Is a different channel used for conversing with people? Furthermore, when should team members be available for meetings and other forms of team communication? Answering these questions will provide valuable insights into the communication strategy.
Once you have identified your desired processes, you should consider how you will instruct existing and new staff. Will Human Resources be responsible for this, or will it be the Team Leader? Will you be taking part in the training? When do you anticipate the training will be completed? What format should the training take?
Increased Success via Improved Cooperation
Working together as a team can achieve more than each individual could alone. For this reason, businesses that are focused on their goals should foster productive teamwork and provide their team members with the necessary resources to implement successful off-site strategies.
