Managing Deployed Teams

By: (P)CPT John, J., SHRM-CP, and SFC Si, E., PMI-CAPM, S1, HHB, 1-6 FA, 41 FAB, USAGB

As leaders navigate this evolving landscape of armed conflict and sustainment of peace, adapting swiftly to leverage technology for remote team management is imperative. Embracing virtual communication tools and remote collaboration platforms has become essential in ensuring seamless operations and maintaining high team morale even in dynamic and challenging environments. Staying agile and open to innovative approaches remains crucial in leading teams through the complexities of modern military actions.

As the work landscape shifts towards remote operations, operational leaders must navigate the challenges of enforcing remote policies. The statistic from internal battalion research, showing that over 25% of service members require support in adapting to remote work, underscores the importance of addressing this issue promptly. Leaders can foster a more inclusive and productive remote work environment by prioritizing solutions that ensure all team members can effectively contribute towards mission objectives. The following represents a course of action to address this topic:

Provide Clear Guidelines and Parameters

Clear guidelines and boundaries are essential for providing purpose, direction, and motivation to a remote team in times of disrupted locational leadership. Role definitions can blur, so providing guidance on priorities, work effort, milestones, and development team accountability is crucial. By setting these expectations clearly, you can ensure everyone knows where to focus and how to reach goals efficiently.

Sustain Open Channels of Communication

Incorporating regular development team meetings into your schedule can enhance communication flow and ensure everyone is on the same page regarding deadlines, resources, and challenges. Fostering casual virtual interactions like a virtual happy hour or virtual coffee breaks can help build rapport among team members despite physical distance. These moments of connection can go a long way in maintaining team cohesion and morale in a remote work setting.

Set Online Communication Parameters

Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful teamwork, particularly in dynamic environments such as deployments. As service members transition from garrison to theater, clear and concise communication becomes even more crucial. Utilizing remote collaboration tools can enhance productivity and streamline task execution. Before engaging in remote discussions, leaders must familiarize themselves with various tools to simplify communication processes in dispersed settings.

Select the Reliable Tools for Communication

In a fast-paced work environment, choosing communication tools is crucial in fostering effective collaboration among teammates. By selecting virtual workplace-approved communication apps, teams can streamline formal and informal interactions in one centralized platform. This enhances efficiency and ensures that all team members are on the same page, regardless of their comfort level with virtual communication. Ultimately, the right tools can help bridge gaps and bring colleagues closer, irrespective of physical distance.

Focus on the Outcome

In such a unique and challenging environment, effective communication becomes paramount for service members’ success. Clear directives and authorization ensure productivity and foster trust within the team. Trusting that work is being accomplished according to policy directives is essential in remote landscapes where visibility might be limited. Emphasizing output and mutual trust can create a cohesive and efficient workforce.

Acknowledge Effective Outcomes

Virtual celebrations for work milestones are essential for maintaining high spirits and drive. In the current remote work setup, leveraging webcams and video communication tools adds a personal touch to these celebrations. Remember, acknowledging achievements keeps momentum and fosters a sense of accomplishment among team members.

Feedback can Generate Success

Having a team of motivated soldiers is crucial for successful remote work operations. Their self-motivation can only last a limited time without proper feedback and interaction. Acknowledging individual achievements within the team and sharing them with everyone helps make each member feel valued and appreciated. Equally important is seeking input from your team members to foster a culture of mutual growth and improvement. Embracing fresh perspectives can greatly enhance remote Service Member management strategies.

Team Wellness is Important

As a leader, staying connected with your soldiers is paramount. While technology can aid in communication, it cannot replace the human touch. Remote work has its benefits but also poses challenges to soldiers’ well-being. Understanding their feelings through direct and indirect interactions is crucial for maintaining a cohesive and resilient team.

Support Diversity

Celebrating and respecting cultural differences in remote teams enhances collaboration, understanding, and productivity. Acknowledging national holidays is a significant practice that fosters inclusivity and appreciation, promoting a strong sense of belonging among team members.  Promoting a culture of continuous learning and innovation in organizations is crucial in the ever-evolving work landscape. It encourages risk-taking, resilience, and adaptability in the face of setbacks.

Support Learning and Development

Investing in the professional growth of your remote Soldiers is crucial for their success and your team’s overall productivity. Developing a comprehensive training plan tailored to their needs and ensuring regular check-ins and support can help them feel engaged, motivated, and equipped to excel in their roles. This proactive approach fosters loyalty, drives performance, and enhances the Service Member’s experience.

Remote work has become a part of the military environment. It has brought about new challenges but has also generated a new vision for how Soldiers will adapt and how senior leaders will overcome the accompanying hardships. Talent management from a distance will be the new norm in a globally dispersed and remote work environment, so it’s time to think about the potential for this new world of work.