How to increase the quality of output in remote teams?
✍️ by Roshan Bhattarai, Operations Director at Proshore
Since 2020, remote teams have become the norm rather than the exception. While this shift offers numerous benefits, ensuring optimal performance and productivity from remote teams presents its own set of challenges.
Ensuring everyone is on the same page and delivering top-notch results requires a strategic approach. In this article, we explore two crucial factors that play a major role in optimizing your remote team’s performance.
1️⃣ Shared vision and roadmap clarity
For a remote team to truly excel, everyone needs to be aligned with the overall vision and roadmap. This doesn’t mean constant micromanagement or information overload. Instead, it’s about thorough initial briefings.
- In-depth business case understanding: Every team member should be intimately familiar with the “why” behind the project. This includes a clear understanding of the business case and at least the first year of the product roadmap.
- Knowing the end user: Even developers working on specific modules need to grasp the bigger picture. Understanding who will ultimately use the system and how their piece fits in fosters a sense of purpose and ownership.
- Regular backlog refinement: Backlog refinement meetings at the start of each sprint are crucial. This is where you clarify requirements, discuss desired outcomes, and brainstorm the most efficient ways to achieve them. Technical details should also be addressed to ensure everyone is building the right thing.
2️⃣ Process adherence: The foundation for success
Especially in a remote setting, a well-defined and consistently followed process is paramount.
- Clear process and consequences: Missed deadlines often stem from a lack of agreed-upon processes or the absence of consequences for not following them. While it may seem strict, enforcing a clear process is essential for optimal results.
- Scheduled ceremonies: Regular meetings, held on standard days and times, create a predictable workflow.
- Transparency and communication: Keeping the team informed about organizational developments and changing priorities fosters a sense of involvement and helps everyone stay on track.
- Product Owner (PO) commitment: The PO plays a vital role. A consistent presence in key ceremonies like sprint planning and evaluations ensures they stay connected to the team and prioritize effectively from a business perspective.
Optimizing the performance of remote teams requires a combination of clear alignment with business objectives and strict adherence to processes. By prioritizing a shared vision, clear roadmap understanding, and strict process adherence, you empower your remote team to deliver exceptional results.
Remember, effective communication and transparency are key ingredients in this recipe for success.
Ready to unlock the full potential of your remote team? Get actionable tips for managing remote teams👇
