Managing Remote Teams from Philippines
Aug 22, 2017 · 3 min read
Effective ways in managing remote teams
In managing remote software developers from the Philippines, hiring and connecting a team of developers from the Philippines is only the beginning. The primary task will be monitoring work output, oversight of quality and timelines, and management of worker time and activity.
An Overview of Remote Software developers from the Philippines
While there is not a single formula for managing remote teams, there are several acknowledged best practices to keep in mind, as outlined in the Harvard Business Review:
- Set expectations for communication and productivity
“As the manager, you need to set clear, deliberate expectations in advance and establish ground rules for how interactions will take place” says Ferrazzi, the founder and CEO of Ferrazzi Greenlight. He also added that if you will fail in doing this, “things will break down immediately”. This idea of Ferazzi, will also give an idea on how to establish your work with accountability in order to reach a certain work goal. - Use the same performance metrics for all team members
In order to have an equal treatment, there must only one performance metrics to be used in order to track the certain working progress of the each team member - Visit team members regularly, but especially when they begin their work role.
Through visiting team members, this will give them idea that they truly matters to the team and their work are being appreciated also. At least meeting your remote team once a year is enough in order to make them all feel they are part of the team.
- Establish regular communication schedules, and rotate meeting times to accommodate time zone differences
In handling remote development team, you will be dealing with different time zones so you must know how to communicate them or meet them with a specific schedule. A useful tool to track time zone differences is World Time Buddy.
- Create a culture of familiarity and inclusiveness
To deepen your know about your other team members, it also important that you share informations or experiences that are not related to work, like hobbies, interest or weekend plans. - Unite the team members around a shared goal and report progress regularly
Though the team has different time zones, it is still important to make sure that they’re still working as one, with a common goal.
Tips in Managing Software developers from the Philippines
- Hire workers that have experience working remotely
- Be more transparent than usual in communicating company objectives and management priorities
- Hold monthly (or more frequent) video calls with all of the team members at one time
- Focus on results, as a constant reminder of the team’s purpose
- Let your developer solve problems with a set time limit and it is important to get problems solved.
