Managing a remote team requires a different set of skills than managing an in-person team. One of the biggest challenges of managing a virtual team is communication. Communication can be more difficult when team members are not physically in the same location, and this can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.
In this article, we will explore the best tactics for managing virtual teams, specifically the importance of explaining tasks clearly. We will take inspiration from Thorkil Sonne, the founder of Specialisterne, a software company in Denmark, that makes millions of dollars in revenue by employing people with autism.
Strategy 1: Know What You Want
The first strategy for managing virtual teams is to know exactly what you want. This may seem obvious, but it is one of the biggest causes of miscommunication among virtual teams. Managers often think they know what they want, but they may not be clear within themselves about their expectations.
Before asking for a specific task, take the time to be 100% clear about what you want. This way, you will be able to communicate your expectations clearly to your team. The more precise and specific you can be in your expectations, the better your team will be able to understand and deliver on your requests.
Strategy 2: Be Direct in Your Description
The second strategy for managing virtual teams is to be as direct as possible in your task descriptions. You should get to the point as quickly as possible and use the right words to avoid leaving anything open to interpretation or assumptions.
Avoid sarcasm and nonverbal communication, which can be easily misunderstood by virtual teams. Instead, be precise and direct with your team. For example, instead of saying, “Please write a brief summary report about the status of our project,” say, “Please send me a one-slide PowerPoint presentation that summarizes the status of our project in a few bullet points.”
Conclusion
Communication is key to the success of virtual teams. When managing virtual teams, it is important to remember that they may have trouble understanding social cues, such as gestures, facial expressions, and tone of voice. Therefore, it is essential to be precise and direct with your team, avoid sarcasm and nonverbal communication, and be specific about your expectations. By following these strategies, you can help your virtual team members understand your requests clearly and avoid confusion and miscommunication.
If you’d like to learn more, check out “Influencing Virtual Teams”
