Importance of Weekly Check-ins for Remote Teams
Leading a remote team is one of the greatest management challenges of our time. Especially for leaders who are used to leading conventional teams When leading a remote team, there are some key areas leaders should always be careful about. One of those areas just happens to be check-ins. There are multiple schools of thought when it comes to picking the right approach in this regard.
Some might suggest that checking in too often can be suffocating for your employees. After all, one thing that really disappeared with remote work was propper working hours. Ever since e-mails and virtual meetings became the de facto means of communication for some organizations, typical hours of work have fallen to the wayside. So not checking in too often and giving your employees some space might be a good idea.
On the opposite end of that spectrum, some might argue that since team members are further apart than ever, checking in regularly is the only way to stay on top of them and stay connected. If you don’t check in with your team on a regular basis, lapses in communication may end up damaging your organization.
While both approaches are valid, raising equally important points, the real best practice, as it often does, rests somewhere in the middle. Regular check-ins are a must while managing a remote team. That being said, checking in way too often can be incredibly suffocating for those in remote environments. That is why weekly check-ins are the best way to go. Why?
Important Points of Weekly Check-Ins
1. Promoting Accountability
Accountability is one of the core components of having an engaged and productive workforce. If you check in with your team on a regular basis, you can hold them accountable for their responsibilities with ease.
Weekly check-ins offer an opportunity for team members to report on their progress, share achievements, and discuss any hurdles they face.
This process encourages individuals to take ownership of their responsibilities and stay focused on their tasks. The knowledge that they will be reporting their progress regularly often serves as a powerful motivator to maintain productivity and meet deadlines.
2. Boosting Team Morale and Compatibility
If you have a team that doesn’t really meet up, can you still call them a team? Members of a team need to spend time together in order to feel invested in the success of the group. Sadly, remote work can be isolating for team members, which can negatively impact their morale and sense of belonging.
By conducting regular check-ins, managers can create a virtual space that encourages open communication and camaraderie among team members. Sharing experiences, celebrating successes, and supporting each other during challenges can foster a strong team spirit, even when working from different locations.
3. Adapting to Change and Uncertainty
The business landscape is constantly evolving, and remote teams must be adaptable to stay ahead. Weekly check-ins offer a platform to discuss emerging challenges, market trends, or changes in the organization’s goals and strategies.
Weekly check-ins help teams stay informed and openly discuss these shifts. This results in teams that can quickly adapt their approaches and remain agile in the face of uncertainty.
Conclusion
Holding weekly team check-ins for remote teams is a must when leading remote teams. That being said, it is easier said than done. Leading an effective weekly check-in is often a difficult task to complete. That is why you should always consider investing in the right tools for the job such as one-on-one software for meetings as well as 360 degree feedback software.
Using these tools will enhance the way you lead remote weekly team check-ins, increasing productivity and fostering a culture of accountability in your remote organization.
