If you are managing remote teams, then thoughtful structure makes all the difference in your team’s success. Whether your team is fully remote or hybrid, here are a few tips to keep things smooth, inclusive, and productive—especially across time zones:
Be time zone aware. Schedule meetings at mutually agreeable times and don’t forget to keep 1:1s a priority to maintain engagement.
Set ground rules for asynchronous communication. Use an urgency/importance matrix to guide when to use Slack, email, IM, or a phone call. Clarity reduces friction.
Establish a camera policy. Whether it’s “all on,” “only speakers on,” or “cameras optional,” consistency helps set expectations and keeps people engaged. 55% of communication is visual. Keep that in consideration.
Define location constraints. Public Wi-Fi, local labor laws, and insurance coverage may all affect how and where your team can work. Think about cyber-security implications.
Support remote work setups. Ensure team members have the right technology, ergonomic support, and access to appropriate collaboration tools, such as Mural, Figma, Teams, or SharePoint.
Remote management isn’t just logistics – it’s about intentional leadership. Set your team up to thrive, not just survive. Be flexible within reason and respect company policies.
View the Managing Remote Teams tip video from The Wild West of Software Project Management series below.