How to lead a remote engineering team?
The year 2020 showed everyone that most jobs, including software engineering, can be done entirely remotely. Many companies are now embracing remote work or even borderless hiring, expanding their talent pool for the whole world. Software engineers also seem to be onboard about this shift, with 40% expressing a preference for remote-only positions.
With this growing trend, it's clear that remote engineering teams will become increasingly common. However, this transition will also require a significant shift in traditional engineering team management practices.
To gain further insights into this evolving landscape, we got some practical tips on managing a remote engineering team from Sezer Ovunc, CEO of Flatiron Software, a fully remote software development firm and the founding company of Snapshot Reviews.
01. Communicate with the team daily through written updates
Effective communication is crucial for an organization's success, and it becomes even more important when working with a fully remote team. To ensure seamless communication, whether or not you hold daily meetings, providing daily updates on Slack or any other channel is essential. These updates don't have to be overly formal, but they are vital for maintaining visibility and keeping managers informed and the team aligned.
Snapshot Reviews simplifies this process with its AI Daily Stand Up feature, which generates personalized updates based on individual activities and accomplishments. These updates are then integrated into your workflow, with options to schedule and deliver them directly to any Slack channel or direct message.
02. Leverage continuous feedback for career development
Continuous feedback cycles are essential for engineering development, and remote teams are no exception. Utilizing tools such as sprint retrospectives, 360-degree reviews, and peer reviews provides managers with comprehensive insights into employee performance. This broader visibility allows managers to pinpoint areas for improvement, offer targeted support, and facilitate career development.
Sezer also highlights the importance of this approach: "Consistent feedback is vital for remote teams. It ensures that every team member is aligned, supported, and continuously developing, which ultimately drives the success of the entire organization. In fact, 360-degree reviews were the starting point of Snapshot Reviews." By maintaining these feedback loops, remote teams can achieve the same level of growth and development as their in-office counterparts.
03. Ensure the whole team has quality equipment
Remote working is fundamentally different from in-office work because you can't see, hear, or physically interact with your colleagues, which is crucial for building bonds and team spirit. Therefore, it's vital to ensure that your entire team has access to quality webcams, microphones, and reliable internet connectivity to maintain the human aspect of collaboration.
Sezer explains, "To support this at Flatiron, we provide our employees with an allowance so they can access the best equipment available. We believe that investing in top-notch tools is essential for fostering effective communication and a strong sense of team unity, even when we are miles apart."
04. Don’t overlook meetups, team buildings and gatherings
Remote teams don’t have to mean you never meet in person. Managers should recognize and prioritize the importance of physical meetups. By organizing regular in-person gatherings, virtual teams have the opportunity to build stronger relationships and foster trust. These face-to-face interactions are crucial for effective collaboration and team cohesion, allowing team members to connect on a deeper level than is possible through virtual meetings alone.
Engaging with each other in person helps to humanize colleagues, making it easier to understand and empathize with one another. It also provides a valuable opportunity for informal conversations and bonding experiences that can significantly enhance team spirit and morale. Ultimately, incorporating physical meetups into the routine of a remote team can create a sense of unity and shared purpose that transcends the digital workspace, leading to a more connected and productive team.
