If you’re managing a remote team, you understand that keeping everyone on track and productive can be a challenge. One of the most effective tactics to manage remote work is to set deadlines for every task.
Why Deadlines Matter
Deadlines are critical to the success of your remote team. Without them, projects can drag on for much longer than necessary. Parkinson’s Law, the idea that work expands to fill the time available for its completion, can set in and slow your team’s progress. Deadlines, on the other hand, create a sense of urgency that helps team members stay focused and on task.
The Benefits of Setting Deadlines
Deadlines have several benefits, including:
- Providing a sense of urgency
- Holding team members accountable
- Encouraging progress
- Helping to prioritize tasks
- Creating a sense of accomplishment when deadlines are met
But how do you set effective deadlines for your remote team?
Rule 1: Be Reasonable
The first rule of setting deadlines is to be reasonable. If a task typically takes a week to complete, don’t set a deadline for tomorrow. As a manager, it’s essential to have a good understanding of how long a task should take. If you’re unsure, ask for feedback from your team members. If you’re concerned about getting honest feedback, ask for a best-case and worst-case estimate, then average those two numbers to arrive at a reasonable deadline.
Rule 2: Be 100% Clear-Cut
The second rule is to be 100% clear about when you want something done. Ambiguous deadlines are ineffective and can create confusion and missed deadlines. To avoid this, provide specific information, including the day, date, time, and time zone if necessary. For example, instead of saying, “I need this done in the next few days,” say “I need this done by Friday, June 9 at 3 p.m. US Eastern Time.”
Rule 3: Always Set Deadlines
The third and final rule is to always set deadlines. Every task, no matter how small, should have a deadline associated with it. If a task doesn’t necessarily need a deadline, create one anyway, even if it’s a “soft” deadline to keep progress moving.
Conclusion
Setting deadlines is one of the most effective ways to keep your remote team on track and productive. By following these three rules, you can set deadlines that are reasonable, clear, and effective. Deadlines not only help your team members stay focused, but they also help to prioritize tasks and create a sense of accomplishment when deadlines are met.
If you’d like to learn more, check out “Influencing Virtual Teams”
