A Leadership's Guide to Working More Collaboratively with Distributed Teams

It is safe to say that the concepts of remote working and distributed teams have changed the game for the business world. Gone are the days when workers had to move across the country to secure a job. Nowadays, both employers and employees have access to a pool of companies that value talent over location.

As remote work continues to become more widespread, business leaders need to adapt to the new normal of having distributed teams. How should they go about it? Here is a guide that will help leaders do exactly that!

What is a distributed team?

A distributed team is one in which all members of the team are located in different parts of the world, and therefore operate in different time zones. This also means that team members work from a location that is not necessarily an office, such as coffee shops, libraries, co-working spaces, and even their own homes. This means that you could have a CFO in New York, a director in Singapore, a marketing manager in Sydney, and a virtual assistant in Budapest.

Since the pandemic, distributed companies have become more common, and many employees actually prefer the flexibility offered by distributed companies. In fact, 87 percent of U.S. workers who were offered remote work during or post-pandemic took up the offer. Additionally, 49 percent of millennials want to work fully remote.

These statistics clearly show how quickly distributed teams have become the norm rather than the the exception.

Key benefits of a distributed team

There are several benefits to having a distributed team. One of the biggest pros is attracting and recruiting employees for their talent, qualifications, and company fit, rather than just their location. This is particularly useful considering that many CEOs find it almost impossible to attract and retain talent.

Another advantage is that distributed teams enable each individual to find a work routine that works for them. People who work better in an office can hire a hot desk in a coworking place, while those who prefer a more intimate environment can work from home. This increases morale and productivity all around, as employees are not forced to work within parameters with which they are not comfortable.

Additionally, with people spread across the world, the company is less dependent on a location and therefore more resistant to external crises. If all employees are based in one office and location, they are all affected by the same traffic, weather, health, and social conditions, which means that in certain cases, work would not even be possible. A distributed team mitigates this.

Finally, employees working in distributed teams often ask for specific tasks and goals. This pushes leaders and managers to set tasks and goals, leading to a more productive work environment and higher ROI.

How leaders can work more collaboratively with distributed teams

Establish clear communication channels

Communication is important in every workplace, but even more important when a company is fully distributed. Without clear communication channels, misunderstandings and mistakes can easily occur.

Therefore, leaders should create streamlined communication channels and use tools such as Slack and Discord to reach out to their team members. They should also schedule regular video check-ins to see how their team members are doing. In addition, they need to establish a shared online network that gives everyone access to the tasks and company information they need to do their work.

Foster collaboration

Collaboration is crucial to ensure that each employee achieves their full potential. Leaders should foster a collaborative, rather than a competitive environment, that plays to each individual's strength.

To do this, leaders can set up virtual brainstorming sessions every week through video conferencing and use online tools where employees can share their ideas. Collaboration is so important that it can lead to a 29 percent increase in profits and a general boost in employee morale.

Create a strong company culture

Technology has enabled distributed companies to create a strong company culture that makes employees proud to be part of the company. Leaders should create opportunities where individual team members can get to know each other on a personal level and make friends.

Having a connected team where everyone gets along goes a long way and leads to higher job satisfaction and retention. Some cool activities that distributed teams can organize include virtual team building activities, virtual pop quizzes, company trips, and a casual chat channel.

Use the most efficient online tools to enhance collaboration

Online tools go a long way towards ensuring a distributed company's long-term success. Quick and efficient communication and workflow tools, a virtual IT support service, collaborative tools (like Stormboard), and virtual HR support ensure that employees have all the tools they may need to complete their tasks and contribute to the company.

As a leader, it is important to invest in such tools, train employees in how to use them, and keep yourself up to date with the latest tools on the market.

Effectively manage time zones

A distributed team means dealing with multiple time zones. While this has the advantage of customers having 24-hour access to team members, it also means working with different schedules.

Establishing clear expectations about working hours, keeping track of each employee's time zone and scheduling meetings at an hour that works for everyone goes a long way to ensuring that every employee feels heard and valued.

The Bottom Line

Distributed businesses are only as successful as their employees. Therefore, leaders should lead by example and really strive to create a positive working environment that values each and every employee.

They should take the time to consider each employee's schedule and working style, check in on them via video calls and establish a good working relationship that overcomes time zones and distance.

By leveraging the latest technology, today's forward-looking leaders have the power to redefine what a workplace is and create a more globalized work culture.