With the evolution of technology, a tech team working from different locations while being connected on an internet-based platform is now possible. A tech team is a collection of professionals who specialise in software development, cybersecurity and troubleshooting (among other things).
Remote tech teams make heavy use of online platforms for communication, collaboration and cloud software development. However, online platforms might lack the warmth, harmony and clear communication which is more often evident in physical meetings.
As a resolution to this issue, tech team leaders can bolster the connection among team members to create a solid working culture. Some of the strategies that the leaders can take to achieve this are:
Although the objectives of most of these meetings are primarily on a formal basis, if the working atmosphere is too strict, it can create situations in which suggestions and contributions are limited.
As a tech team leader, something as simple as starting an online meeting with a joke or famous anecdote can help lighten the work environment and create solid relationships.
Delegating work meant for a single person to two tech team members is another way of developing a bond. This creates an opportunity for members to collaborate and get to know more about each other as well.
As a team leader, host informal meetings where members can do something fun, freely talk about themselves and share experiences & issues they’re currently facing. Doing this will help you communicate with each member on a personal and individual level.
Nurturing informal conversation will also help you learn more about your tech team members’ personalities. You’ll discover what kind of projects best suits the specific personalities in your team. In other words, you end up knowing your team members’ strong and weak points, and in turn can choose to play to their strengths.
As a team leader, using video-based platforms to host meetings will significantly increase work performance and create a strong culture among members. Why, you ask? Since the forum is visual, it is the closest imitation to a physical meeting.
You will be able to communicate better with team members and read their expressions to see if it shows satisfaction or dissatisfaction depending on what you have to say. Gradually this particular process will develop into a communication pattern for you and your tech team members.
Collaboration between team members are crucial for developing a strong work culture. Some members might have opinions that will be very useful to an issue to hand, but might not give any input unless you ask them.
As a tech team leader, you should encourage your members to give inputs. Hearing everyone’s opinion on an issue will make each tech team member feel wanted and necessary.
In a situation that involves changing from physical to virtual meetings, members will need to make certain adjustments to become accustomed to the new process. It’s your responsibility to help members feel comfortable with these changes. Consider hosting webinars or online workshops to explain new processes without losing that personal touch.
Defining goals and providing the ways to achieve such goals is another way to achieve a more productive work environment, which will develop the connection felt between team members and the company.
Technological knowledge is something every member of your tech team will already have. However, technology has different branches. So, concerning communication technology, your tech team should learn to use the appropriate software applications and channels to promote good communication and avoid any confusion.
The duty of choosing platforms for meetings does not have to rest solely in your hands. Picking the right platform that will best suit the meeting purposes effectively should be prioritized by the whole team in order to collaborate well. Asking members of the team about their preferred online meeting platforms will strengthen work relationships and strengthen their sense of autonomy.
In any organization involving two persons or more, conflicts and clashing of opinions are unavoidable. If you’re not careful, it can lead to dissent among members of the group, which will inevitably affect work output.
You need to help team members resolve such situations, especially if the issue is a sensitive one that will affect the rest of your tech team.
The team leader is the facilitator of such meetings, so he/she can schedule a meeting for the people involved in the conflict. The team leader taking up the role of a mediator in such instances increases the chances of the problem being resolved.
All-round effective management of time to achieve the goal of each meeting in a defined period is another factor that you as the tech team leader should consider. Setting the time well and communicating an agenda to the team members will improve the efficiency level and create a good working culture. Also, starting and ending such meetings at the appropriate time should be prioritized.
Sometimes, members might feel disconnected from the way you run the meeting. It could be due to the timing, and the work quotas assigned to them might be too much to handle. Being an open team leader and creating room for feedback will help the team improve generally.
By reacting positively to feedback from members, you create a more open work culture.
The team leader should set policies and rules relating to the team’s objective. Doing this will help prevent disorderliness and inefficacy. When team members understand company policies and what you expect of them, you create a certain standard that they cannot fall below.
Each meeting’s agenda should be discussed by the team leader at the start of the meeting so that members can follow your line of reasoning.
Creating a strong work culture among a remote tech team or any team is not a day’s job. It requires the tech team leader to understand the members’ strengths, personalities and quirks. You also need to have a firm handle on meetings and the communication platforms your team uses. If you take care to look after your remote team, it helps the team achieve their goals and thereby creates a strong work culture that will produce the desired results.
Charlie Svensson is a skilled freelance writer that partakes primarily in content writing and blogging. He writes on SEO, social media, motivation blogging, marketing and many others. Charlie is also apart of the paper writing service for essay writers.
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