Though we are still in the midst of a global pandemic, some areas of life are returning to normalcy. The working world, however, is still in the middle of a massive change. Remote teams had become commonplace in 2020 and aren’t going away anytime soon.
But there are teams that are a hybrid of remote and in-person, presenting new challenges for managers. How do you manage a hybrid team? Here are a few tips for effectively doing so.
Communication
Open and clear communication is crucial no matter what the work setting. When you have to use different avenues to speak to someone, however, that communication becomes even more of an essential.
Make sure that you are communicating with team members on a regular basis. Not only to keep them informed on comings and goings, but to get a sense of where they are with a goal or project. That leaves no questions about what needs doing or who is doing what.
Make Expectations Known
When managing hybrid teams, there is no way to “keep an eye” on someone at all times. Furthermore, everyone is an adult and should not have to be watched at all times. There is a trust involved and part of that trust comes from knowing what is expected.
Outline goals and expectations clearly. This gives team members a better idea of what needs doing and how they will get there.
Share Information
There is a belief among some managers that only the minimum information needs to be shared. What happens is that confusion and uncertainty reign supreme and employees are always wondering what information they are not getting.
While that does not necessarily mean “share everything,” it does mean to be transparent with teams. Let them know what the reality of situations are, what the consequences are, and what needs to happen. It lets them know that their manager trusts them while also instilling those expectations and goals. Transparency is one of the most crucial factors to managing any team, let alone a hybrid one.