10 Characteristics of High Performing Remote Teams
A high performing remote team is one that works well together and consistently delivers on their goals in a sustainable way. Remote teams usually have the same end goals as co-located teams (for example, build a website or maintain a product) – but they face different challenges when it comes to work boundaries, collaboration, and synching on work status. Remote teams that have mastered these obstacles have these ten characteristics in common:
- Team members trust each other.
Individuals feel safe on the team – they know they can count on each other to make good decisions that are in the best interests of the team. They are confident team members are available when needed or will reach out at the right times.
- Team members feel empowered to make decisions.
Requiring too many approvals or administrative process checks can really slow down a team – especially across time zones. Instead, be clear about how individuals can make decisions that are in line with the teams’ goals, and limit what needs managerial approval.
- Team members have a clear working agreement on how they collaborate and what they value.
This working agreement may or may not be explicitly documented, but we recommend that you do! What goes into a working agreement will vary by team, but here are some common examples of what is included:
- Does the team favor synchronous or asynchronous communication, and when?
- How do we provide feedback and recognition to others?
- How often do we check in?
- What tools and processes are we committed to using?
- How do we reflect on what’s not working, and work to change our process accordingly?
- How do we ask for help?
- How do we ensure quality, and what is the level of quality we’re aiming for?
Remember that working agreements are not a one-and-done deal – they are living documents that should be updated as the team changes. This is another reason why it’s important to have a working agreement documented in some way – teams that don’t may not intentionally think about how they work or how to change their process when new challenges arise.
- Team members are aligned on the same vision.
Everyone on the team understands the goals and vision the team is driving toward, and there’s shared excitement and motivation to achieve success.
- Team members support each other.
Individuals value the ‘invisible work’ of helping each other and sharing knowledge openly. They’re willing to both teach and learn from others. They are welcoming and responsive when team members stop by to ask questions or receive help.
- Team members respect focus time.
A high performing team knows that meeting overload is the enemy of productivity! Meetings are short, efficient, and only scheduled when necessary. Scheduling and respecting regular solo focus time is important as well.
- Team members respect work boundaries.
The team is aware of individuals’ timezones and work hour preferences, and they respect the boundaries their colleagues set. There’s no pressure to respond to emails or messages sent outside of someone’s work hours.
- Team members offer each other direct feedback and recognition.
Team members are generous with kudos and open to both receiving and providing respectful, actionable feedback. A high performing team understands that both are necessary to keep growing as a highly motivated team.
- Team members feel ownership and pride in both individual and team work.
Team members care about craftsmanship and providing a good solution – not just something that works.
- Team members value team-building time.
Team members enjoy each others’ company, and set aside regular time for fun or casual conversation. They know that maintaining positive relationships is the foundation for having difficult conversations and good collaboration.