Managing an Offshore Team can be challenging and most of the work is done over email or Skype. Offshore team members do not often like to ask for help because many of them are young and may not have the self-confidence it takes to be in the position they are today. So how do you build their confidence and get them to ask you for help when they need it?
Here are the 7 tips for managing offshore team:
- Use remote management tools. You don’t have to be in the same room as your team to manage them. You can use tools like Skype and Basecamp to keep up with what’s going on and you can even set up group chats for when you want real-time feedback from more than one person at a time.
- Train employees in the use of virtual tools. In order to be effective, they need to be able to communicate with you and their colleagues in real time, which means that they need to be familiar with the tools that allow them to do so (such as email, Skype or Slack). If you don’t train them on how to use these tools, it can lead to issues like confusion over who’s working on what and when, delays in communication due to language barriers or technical difficulties.
- Have a proactive approach to communication. Communicate with your team regularly and make sure you’re always clear about what’s going on. This isn’t just about getting information from them—it’s also about helping them feel like they’re part of the process, which will allow them to be more productive.
- Build a culture based on trust. The most important thing you can do is build a culture based on trust. You need to know that the people working with you are going to be honest, open and reliable. This is especially true when working with an offshore team. If your team feels like they can’t be honest with you or that communication will be limited, then they’ll have a hard time performing their best work for you.
- Have a “no surprises” policy. When you’re managing an offshore team, transparency is key. If you’re not communicating with your employees and partners about what’s going on, they might feel like they’re the last to know or that something’s being hidden from them. That’s why a “no surprises” policy is so important. It lets your employees know that they can trust you to keep them informed of any issues or changes in plans as soon as possible. This will help build trust between you and your team which is crucial when you’re working remotely.
- Stay connected with your team members on a personal level. If you’re managing a remote team, make sure you’re staying connected to your team members on a personal level. It’s important for them to know that you care about what they’re doing and how they’re doing it. You’ll want to make sure that you keep in touch with them regularly, but don’t overdo it.
- Set goals and clarify expectations. You need to have a clear vision of what you want to accomplish and then you need to make sure that your team is on the same page. The best way to do this is by setting goals and expectations for your team members. If you have a clear idea of what you want from them, it will be easier for them to get it done.
The key to managing an offshore team is knowing what to expect. That way, you’re prepared for the inevitable challenges that are a part of working with overseas employees. After all, every team has its issues and its sticking points, but some of these issues can be alleviated and better managed through careful planning and preparation. So don’t be discouraged if you’re launching an offshore team for the first time. Just keep in mind that these tips will serve as an outline for both your team and you.
Let us know your thoughts about this article. Contact us at inquiry@casacruzservices.com. Looking forward to connecting with you.