Managing a distributed team of 12 people across 6 time zones taught me valuable lessons about communication, trust, and operational efficiency. Here's what worked, what didn't, and the strategic adjustments we're implementing.
Communication Framework
- Daily async standups via Loom (2-3 minutes max)
- Weekly all-hands meetings with rotating time slots
- Slack for urgent matters, email for documentation
- Quarterly in-person retreats for strategic planning
The biggest challenge wasn't technology—it was building genuine connections without physical presence. We solved this through intentional relationship-building initiatives and transparent decision-making processes.
Performance Metrics
Q1 Team Performance Data:
- Project delivery: 94% on-time completion
- Team satisfaction: 8.