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

  1. Daily async standups via Loom (2-3 minutes max)
  2. Weekly all-hands meetings with rotating time slots
  3. Slack for urgent matters, email for documentation
  4. 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.