Leaders of high-performing remote teams hire people they can trust and invest in their success by training them, and by helping them acclimate to the team’s culture.
They also spend time to make sure everyone on the team is in the loop and on the same page as much as possible. Avoiding miscommunication is one of the best ways to keep a team efficient and healthy.
If you’re leading a remote team, another important thing to remember is that not all work gets done at a desk. Think about your own behavior. How many times have you solved a problem by speaking with a colleague during a coffee break or by having a quick chat in a hallway? I’m sure there have also been times when stepping away from your desk to clear your head has helped you move something forward, or in a new direction.
Hire people you can trust, train them well, support them professionally, set expectations for availability, and then give them space to get their work done. If they are not adding value, you should be able to tell. If you can’t, then you either didn’t clearly communicate your expectations or you didn’t hire well.