Last updated on Aug 25, 2024

Dealing with a remote team member missing deadlines. Can you motivate them to meet expectations?

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Alex Pospelov, PMP®

PMP Mentor I Sr. Project Manager at Nokia Canada & USA I Professor at George Brown College

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Saleh Al Abbas ASQ®️CMQ/OE,PMI-PMP®️, C-KPI, OKR

Quality Supervisor of Quality & Excellence Team at NEOM | ISO 9001:2015, PMP, CMQ/OE
Helmy Sayed

Projects Analyst - Governor’s Office at Central Bank of Egypt | MBA, PMP®

Addressing a remote team member's chronic lateness requires tact and strategy. To turn things around:

- Open a dialogue to understand underlying issues. Compassion can uncover obstacles they're facing.

- Set clear, incremental goals to help them manage their workload more effectively.

- Offer constructive feedback and recognition to bolster motivation and accountability.

How do you encourage punctuality in your remote team? Share your experiences.

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Alex Pospelov, PMP®

PMP Mentor I Sr. Project Manager at Nokia Canada & USA I Professor at George Brown College
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In my experience, addressing chronic lateness in a remote setting requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond just setting expectations. I'd add: Implement a flexible work hours policy that allows team members to choose their most productive times, as long as core collaboration hours are respected. This acknowledges different personal circumstances and time zones. Use technology to your advantage by setting up automated reminders for meetings and deadlines. Tools like calendar integrations and project management software can help team members stay on track. Foster a culture of proactive communication where team members feel comfortable alerting others if they're running late.

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Saleh Al Abbas ASQ®️CMQ/OE,PMI-PMP®️, C-KPI, OKR

Quality Supervisor of Quality & Excellence Team at NEOM | ISO 9001:2015, PMP, CMQ/OE
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Managing remote team members who miss deadlines can be challenging but can be addressed with the right approach. Start by having an open and empathetic conversation to understand any obstacles they’re facing. Clarify the importance of deadlines and how their contributions impact the team’s success. Offer support, whether it’s additional resources or adjusting workload. Set clear expectations, establish regular check-ins, and encourage transparency. Acknowledge their strengths and past successes to boost their confidence. Motivating them through positive reinforcement, combined with accountability, can lead to improved performance and commitment.

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Helmy Sayed

Projects Analyst - Governor’s Office at Central Bank of Egypt | MBA, PMP®
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First, arrange one-on-one meeting with the team member to understand the reason behind missing the project deadlines. Then, coach him if he lacks experience or give him training if he needs though. Finaly monitor the progress of team member's tasks to ensure that he didn't miss another deadline.

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Juan Pablo Zúñiga

Project Management & PMO Consultant at MIGSO-PCUBED | Industrial and Systems Engineering | Driving Project Success | Supply Chain & Logistics.
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To motivate a remote team member who is missing deadlines, it’s essential to establish clear communication and set realistic expectations. Start by understanding any challenges they might be facing and offer support or resources to help them succeed. Encourage a sense of ownership and responsibility for their tasks by emphasizing the impact of their work on the team's overall success. Provide regular feedback, recognize their achievements, and create a collaborative environment where they feel valued and connected to the team.

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Jimish Kapadia

Growth Sense Group | Growth91 | Invidata | Angel Investor | Yes Bank | ICICI Bank | Top VC |StartUp Development | Entrepreneurship | Project Management | Communications| BD | Entrepreneurship| Management Voices
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To motivate a remote team member who is missing deadlines, start by addressing the issue in a supportive and understanding manner. Schedule a one-on-one conversation to understand any challenges they might be facing, whether personal or work-related. Set clear expectations and collaborate on a plan that includes realistic deadlines, regular check-ins, and the necessary resources or support they might need. Reinforce their importance to the team and the impact of their contributions, while also recognizing and rewarding improvements. Encouraging open communication and offering flexibility where possible can help re-engage and motivate them to meet expectations.

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