3 Ways to set goals for remote teams

5 min read
26 June 2023

Goal setting is a huge part of what any leader does on a daily basis. The entire landscape of goal-setting, however, got turned upside down on its head with the advent of remote teams. While bearing some similarities to regular teams, setting goals for a remote team can be a bit trickier than setting goals for a non-remote, conventional group.

One of the key challenges in setting goals for a remote team is that goal tracking becomes increasingly more difficult as managers and direct reports grow more distant from each other. Tracking goal completion rates and overall performance is much easier in an office setting. It is also a lot easier to motivate your team towards a certain goal when you are in the same room with them day in and day out.

On the other side of this spectrum, managers setting goals for their remote employees might need to get a bit more creative in order to keep the ball rolling. That is why in this particular article, we will be going over some of the ways you can set goals for your remote teams. We will discuss anything from goal-setting software to templates, to analytics tools. So without further ado, let us dive in.

Switching to OKRS

One powerful approach to goal setting is the use of Objectives and Key Results . OKRs provide a framework for setting ambitious goals and measuring progress. By defining clear objectives and key results, teams can align their efforts and track their achievements.

OKR software simplifies the process of setting and tracking OKRs for remote teams. These tools provide a centralized platform where team members can define their objectives, outline measurable key results, and monitor progress. OKR software promotes transparency, accountability, and alignment, enabling remote teams to stay focused and achieve their goals efficiently.

There are plenty of OKR software available to consumers today. While they all can prove to be incredibly useful, OKR software aren't one size fits all solutions. Each organization has different needs and the OKR software they pick, should be the perfect OKR software for them. What can you look for in OKR software?

Integration into other tools is a massive bonus for any OKR software worth it's salt. When you are setting goals for a remote team, you need those goals to be in the flow of work, all the time. Your team shouldn't be switching software to check on their goals and OKRs and you shouldn't be doing the same in order to set those goals and OKRs.

As stated before, each organization has needs of its own. That is why OKR software cannot be one size fits all solutions. The best OKR tool you can pick is one that you can fully customize and make your own.

And the last of the basic features you should be looking for in OKR software is: Ease of use. A well-designed tool should resemble a well-organized kitchen. Everyone should be able to find their way around the tool and navigate it without any trouble.

Utilizing Goal Setting Templates

Goal setting templates offer a structured approach to setting goals and provide clarity for remote team members. These templates serve as guides, helping teams articulate their objectives and define actionable steps to accomplish them.

There are various types of goal setting templates available, such as SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) or action plans. These templates provide a consistent framework that remote teams can utilize to set goals effectively. By using a goal setting template, remote team members can clearly understand what needs to be accomplished, set realistic deadlines, and track their progress.

Leveraging HR Analytics Software

Data-driven decision-making plays a crucial role in remote team management. HR analytics software offers valuable insights into team performance, individual contributions, and areas for improvement. By leveraging this software, remote team managers can make informed decisions when setting goals for their teams.

HR analytics software enables remote team managers to analyze data related to employee performance, engagement, and skills. By identifying trends and patterns, managers can gain a deeper understanding of their team's strengths and weaknesses. This information can be used to set meaningful and realistic goals, optimize resource allocation, and foster employee development.

Conclusion

Goal-setting is an ever-evolving aspect of performance management. As the remote work landscape keeps changing, we will surely have a much easier time setting and tracking goals in remote teams. By using OKR software, taking advantage of the insight provided by HR analytics software, and getting used to the convenience of goal-setting templates, everyone can create and track goals for remote teams.

In case you have found a mistake in the text, please send a message to the author by selecting the mistake and pressing Ctrl-Enter.
Alex 9.8K
Joined: 4 years ago
Comments (0)

    No comments yet

You must be logged in to comment.

Sign In / Sign Up