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I agree with this (and that manager sounds awful). But want to note that having a successful remote/async team has a few prerequisites: (1) Skilled, engaged co
by anchochilis 5y ago
I agree with this (and that manager sounds awful). But want to note that having a successful remote/async team has a few prerequisites:
(1) Skilled, engaged contributors.
Most high touch management processes (frequent 1-1s, agile ceremonies) exist in order to motivate, guide, and create accountability for mediocre/disengaged employees. High performers can execute successfully in a process vacuum (in fact, they often do their best work with maximal freedom), but unfortunately not all teams are composed exclusively of high performers.
(2) Team members need to have shared values and a baseline level of trust and respect for each other. If they don't trust each other, disagree about technical approaches, or there are power struggles within the team, frequent meetings are often necessary to resolve disagreements that can otherwise spiral and bog everyone down.
- anchochilis 5y agoI'll also note that I think it's difficult for managers to transition from managing mediocre teams to high-performing ones. The job changes from "telling people what to do and making sure it gets done" to "advocating for my people and empowering them to execute independently." And some managers struggle to recognize that, feel superfluous, and double down on what they know (Jira! Scrums!) in order to feel effective.