Leader Checklist

Eight steps for leading remote teams

1. Understand the remote work policy. Familiarize yourself with the Remote Work Policy and ensure your team members understand it too.
2. Review technology needs and resources.
   • Inventory: Identify the technology your team uses daily. Determine the resources and tools they need to access from home.
   • Network access: Ensure your team knows how to access the IU network and any other essential software.
   • Communication channels: Decide which platforms you’ll use for team communication (e.g., Teams, Slack). Make sure everyone has access and knows how to use them.
   • Tech Support: Ensure your team knows how to contact your local IT support for assistance.
3. Clarify work schedules and expectations. Remote work sometimes gets confused with flex work. Be explicit about your expectations for maintaining work schedules or discuss flexible options based on individual needs.
4. Develop a remote work plan. Work together with your team to answer these key questions:
   • Identify potential challenges: Are there tasks that can’t be done remotely? How will this impact operations or colleagues? How can you minimize disruption?
   • Maintain collaboration: Which tasks require regular communication and collaboration? Reach out to partners to establish effective communication strategies while working remotely.
   • Prioritize projects: Remote work often means fewer interruptions. Are there special projects or tasks your team can focus on?
   • Manage events and meetings: How will scheduled events and meetings proceed during the remote work period? Will they be postponed, canceled, or held virtually? What follow-up is needed for any changes?
5. Make a communication and accountability plan
   • Set clear expectations: Let your team know how often you expect progress updates and what they should include.
   • Response times: Communicate your expectations for response times to emails and messages.
   • Stay connected: If you typically do daily check-ins, consider a quick phone call or instant message instead. Maintain team meetings and one-on-one check-ins, adjusting the schedule as needed to accommodate approved alternative schedules.
6. Facilitate/Maintain/Establish regular check-ins.
   • Frequent communication: Start each workday with a quick check-in via phone, video call, or instant message. Consistent communication helps maintain a sense of connection and routine. Aim for daily or every other day, even weekly may be enough, as long as you are in contact frequently to keep everyone in sync.
   • Employee engagement: Use the Four Simple Actions adapted for remote workers to foster engagement and connection.
   • Reinforce core competencies: Encourage your team to continue demonstrating the five IU Core Competencies while working remotely.
7. Foster a positive remote work environment.
   • Trust and empowerment: A positive attitude toward remote work and trust in your employees are crucial for success. Focus on results and objectives rather than hours worked. By emphasizing the employee’s work product, you’ll enhance your organizational skills and ability to manage based on outcomes.
   • Performance conversations: Use the Remote Performance Conversation tool or other Performance at IU tools for regular discussions about priorities, challenges, and achievements.
8. Debrief and review when returning to the office. If the remote work arrangement is temporary, conduct a debriefing session when normal operations resume. Review work plans, assess progress, and re-prioritize any unfinished or new tasks that arose during the remote period.