It is a challenge to work with the offshore teams but with effective planning and strategies, you can easily manage any number of such teams. Whether the team comprises your own employees, independent workers or employees of other companies, you can make them work as a team and as required by you. Managing offshore teams requires creative strategies and solutions.
Communication
Effective and timely communication is the key to successfully managing the offshore teams. You have to hold regular team meetings to ensure your plans are conveyed to the teams as quickly as possible. Hold regular meetings with your remote team members. These meetings present a good opportunity to listen to your team members. You will find out the problems they are facing. Offer them the guidance, suggestions and solutions that help them overcome those challenges. Use a variety of communication systems so failure of any one system does not affect your timely communication with the remote teams.
Interact with All Members Directly
You must have team leaders who relay your messages to the team members working under them. At the same time, you should not limit your interaction with the team members solely through the team leaders. Sometimes you should take time out to interact directly with the members at the lower levels. It will help you receive the feedback about your team leaders. You will know whether your plans are reaching the lower level members on time and as expected. Personal interaction with the head of the department makes team members feel a part of the team. You will have your ear to the ground when you interact with all your team members directly.
Develop Your Plans Early
You should always keep all your team members in the loop. Try not to throw surprises at them. Start working on a plan early. Invite suggestions and opinions from everyone. When your team members are aware of an ongoing project, they are prepared for all possibilities that can arise due to it. Share your vision and goals with your remote employees regularly so they are ready when the time comes to execute the plan.
Schedule the Work Properly
Your offshore teams may be working from different time zones. It is not possible to work with all team members at the same time. Use latest communications solutions that help you convey your messages to your team members as soon as possible. They should be able to access the messages first thing when they log into their account. Your plans should take into account the time differences across different locations. Occasionally, you should be ready to work at inconvenient times so you can hold meetings with your team members at times when they prefer working.
Managing offshore teams will be easier when you follow such strategies and solutions.
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