Chris Vitale’s Post

This may be controversial because you should have pride in your work and no one wants to admit they “just got it done”.  But let’s be real, with all of the priorities some things either just get done good enough or not at all. So I'll admit it, I do start projects by assessing what is “good enough” and then just do that.  Good enough is the best that is needed.  Maybe something needs to be perfect.  In that case, perfect is good enough. In other cases, perhaps most, done might be good enough. Find the “good enough” that is needed and shoot for that, you’ll get a lot more done.

One of the worst assumptions you can make in managing a remote team, is assuming that your communication has been effective in relaying your message to an employee, or the team as a whole. Why? Because each team member will process your message through their own unique lens, which means that at times what you say, and what they hear, are two different things. Dropping your communication without following up, clarifying it, and getting feedback is a recipe for disaster. What I have experienced as someone managing multiple remote teams over the years, is that you need to: 1. choose your communication channels based on where the team is looking/listening! 2. set standards around how they are used 3. have a dedicated channel to deal with emergencies. Your team needs to know what your communication protocol is, and you need to have them clearly documented for any new recruits that join your team. It will save you a heap of time, reduce confusion and avoid employees feeling lost or embarrassed when not following the proper channels and procedures. In our company, SimpleTire, we primarily use: 📟 Slack (for daily communication) 📟 Google (for meetings, conference calls) 📟 Emails (for everything else) 📟 Text/Phone calls (Emergency) Everyone knows the drill, and how we use them. This makes communication smooth, reliable and effective, while helping our teams collaborate more efficiently and get things done faster. Ask your team if they ever feel isolated when stressed, if anyone says yes, you need to get this sorted out. The simpler the steps, the easier for everyone to follow. What challenges have you faced in managing your remote teams, and what helped you solve them?

Before remote work was a thing, we all used to go to an office. Everything we needed was supplied to us. If we needed something else, we could simply take what we needed from our company supply closet, and that was that! But the question now is: - Where are those “tools” coming from now? - How are they requested? - Are there any tools that are specifically needed for remote work? - Do these tools vary based on each person's working environment? Remember, that work environments are no longer the same for everyone. They are not static. And not everyone has a dedicated home office where they can focus without the buzz of family in the background. That's why it’s important to consider every employee’s needs individually. And if you don’t create a clear process for them to request and receive what they need, they might not be comfortable to ask. That means you need to ask them first. Here are 5 simple things to consider: 1. Think about what is required. 2. Find out how it can be funded. 3. Make a way for it to be requested. 4. Define the method for it to be provided. 5. Follow-up to make sure the team gets what they need. Don’t over complicate this one. Keep it as simple as possible. Perhaps you just need to enable online ordering, delivery and reimbursement. The pace of change in life and work seems to be accelerating daily, which means we need to take a moment to think carefully about the changing environments, challenges and needs of our employees.  Would you want something so simple to be the first wedge of dissatisfaction?  A stack of satisfaction is worth way more than the cost of a stack of post-it notes. (so clever) Are you making it simple for your team to get what they need, with the least amount of friction?

On Wednesday I dove into the ocean that is my un-comfort zone.... and shared my first guide. Topics covered: 1. Clear the Air for Constructive Communication 2. Clarify Expectations with Care 3. The Right Tools for the Right Results 4. Encourage Collective Collaboration 5. Focus on Results over Attendance 6. Balancing Work and Life for Remote Teams 7. Company Culture Counts 8. Flexibility Facilitates Adaptability 9. Secure Your Data and Communications If you manage or work with remote teams and need some practical guidance.....grab your free copy of "Guide to Managing Remote Teams for Leaders" (link in the comments) And don't forget to share you thoughts and feedback. I'd love to hear if you found this resource helpful.

Last year I shared a series of posts covering 9 principles to manage remote teams more effectively. This year I've consolidated all that content into a practical guide (link in comments) to help you manage your teams more efficiently, without the chaos. Managing large remote teams can easily become unmanageable if you don't have the right principles in place. As someone who has been leading teams for the last 20+ years, and remote teams for the past 10+ years, I know first hand it's no picnic. ❌Emails that never end. ❌Slack channels that are out of control.  ❌Endless Zoom/Google/WebEx meetings. It's enough to leave you questioning your career choices. But this doesn't need to be the norm. With clear objectives, expectations and protocols, your team can run efficiently without any of you losing your minds. Here are the chapters that cover those nine principles: 1. Clear the Air for Constructive Communication 2. Clarify Expectations with Care 3. The Right Tools for the Right Results 4. Encourage Collective Collaboration 5. Focus on Results over Attendance 6. Balancing Work and Life for Remote Teams 7. Company Culture Counts 8. Flexibility Facilitates Adaptability 9. Secure Your Data and Communications If you are a leader managing one or many remote teams and are looking for practical advice you can start using right away, then this guide is for you. And I'm not even going to gate this content for now. It's free to download, no email needed. Link to my guide in the comments below.

THE REDUCTION CIRCUS Ever felt like you’re juggling more goals than a circus performer?  If so, it's time to trade that chaos for a more refined strategy. Picture this:  Slashing your list of goals down to the bare minimum, like decluttering your closet, but for your ambitions.  Here's why this reduction plan is the best show in town! (minus the animal abuse) Park the Clown Car: Say goodbye to the distractions and clowning around. Spotlight the Best Parts of the Show: Fewer goals equal more attention on what matters. Do the Disappearing Task List Trick: Less is more, especially when it comes to stress.  Use Highwire Progress Tracking: Tracking progress suddenly becomes simple. Show Off Flexibility at Its Finest: Fewer goals mean more wiggle room. It’s not about lowering the bar, it’s about cleverly aiming for the bullseye. So, this year, join The Reduction Traveling Circus!  Embrace the art of reducing your goals to unleash your potential, save your sanity, and march boldly towards your dreams, while the circus music plays on… What goals are you excited about?

The Reduction Traveling Circus: A Recipe for Sanity and Success in the New Year! Ever felt like you’re juggling more goals than a circus performer? It's time to trade that chaos for a more refined strategy—cue the dramatic reduction of goals show! Sounds counterproductive? Nope! It's the magic trick to save your sanity and boost your success this year. Picture this: slashing your list of goals down to a few with two qualities: 1. Some you are sure you can or need to complete 2. Some that are lofty goals but with a high probability for success It's like decluttering your closet, but for your ambitions. Here's why this reduction plan is the best show in town! (minus the animal abuse) Park the Clown Car: Say goodbye to the distractions and clowning around. Fewer goals mean you’re not packing too much into the small space that is your available time. Spotlight the Best Parts of the Show: Fewer goals equal more attention, effort, and a higher chance of acing them. Produce only the best quality for best results. Do the Disappearing Task List Trick: Less is more, especially when it comes to stress. Fewer goals equal fewer worries and more fun. Who needs extra stress baggage anyway? Use Highwire Progress Tracking: Tracking progress suddenly becomes as focused as walking a straight line 30ft in the air. With fewer goals, you've got a clear roadmap line to follow. Show Off Flexibility at Its Finest: Wanna veer off the beaten path? Fewer goals mean more wiggle room for surprises and spontaneous adventures. Bring on the unpredictability! In a world obsessed with doing it all, the true superstars are the ones who strategically choose what matters most. It’s not about lowering the bar; it’s about cleverly aiming for the bullseye. So, this year, join The Reduction Traveling Circus! Embrace the art of fewer goals to unleash your potential, save your sanity, and march boldly towards your dreams while the circus music plays on.  Trust me, it's the shortcut to a hilarious and triumphant year ahead!

Who was this Drucker guy?  The Life and Legacy of Peter Drucker Born in Vienna, Austria, in 1909, Peter Drucker was a multi-faceted individual whose impact extended far beyond his initial academic pursuits. He studied law and international law in Germany but was drawn to the world of business. Drucker's journey led him to study economics and philosophy, earning a doctorate in international law and public law. His wide-ranging academic background set the stage for a remarkable career. In 1937, Drucker fled the political turmoil in Europe, making his way to the United States, where he continued his academic pursuits. His early writings focused on economic theory and philosophy. However, it was his groundbreaking work in management and leadership that would ultimately define his legacy. Drucker authored over 39 books, with many of them becoming classics in the field of management. His works, such as "The Practice of Management" and "The Effective Executive," provided invaluable insights into the principles that underpin successful organizations.  He was a professor at several prestigious universities, including New York University and Claremont Graduate University, and his influence on modern management principles remains profound. Thanks for all the great work Mr. Drucker!

Another beauty from Peter Drucker's wisdom (I posted this before but…) "The key to greatness is to look for people's potential and spend time developing it." When teams are seen not just for their current abilities, but for their untapped potential, magic happens. Investing in people, nurturing their strengths, and fostering growth isn't just a kind gesture—it's the blueprint for achieving project greatness. By recognizing and developing individual potentials, teams evolve into powerhouses of innovation, resilience, and collective success. I used this quote again because I truly have seen it work time and time again.  Right now I am honored to be on a team that is crushing goals and producing greatness, well, at least tire world greatness anyway (which has a certain tire smell of success that lingers ;) Embracing these values, and letting it guide your leadership actions, unleashes boundless possibilities within every project endeavor. 🌱💡 #UnleashPotential #ProjectGreatness