Today, when 43% of employees are working remotely<\/a> for longer periods of time and even on-site employees are so busy that they rely on IMs and other quick digital communication to get things done, the onus is on managers to find more effective ways to work together.<\/p>\n By setting up a virtual team workspace that integrates key communication and project management features (i.e. persistent chat [text, video], task assignment, file sharing, calendar, etc.), leaders have the tools necessary to facilitate effective collaboration.<\/p>\n Here are four ways you can use team messaging platforms to up your game for more successful management.<\/p>\n Initiating ongoing contact with your team members is crucial when it comes to both staying informed with what they\u2019re doing and also in supporting their level of commitment and connection. In the same study mentioned before, Gallup found that managers who touch base with staff each day are most successful in engaging their employees \u2013 ditto for those who respond to staff messages within a 24-hour period.<\/p>\n Regular meetings are also important; managers who hold consistent scheduled meetings, either virtually or in person, are almost three times as likely to engage employees vs. those who don\u2019t routinely meet. The more accessible the manager, the more likely the employee will feel heard and valued.<\/p>\n According to Willis Towers Watson (2014 Global Workforce Study<\/a>) 79% of highly engaged employees have trust and confidence in their leaders. One of the best ways to earn that trust is to give honest, constructive feedback on a regular basis to your team, which can be done in a variety of ways via online chat. It can be as simple as giving a \u201cthumbs up\u201d emoji for a task well done or more personal and in-depth feedback using video chat when you know one of your workers is struggling and needs encouragement.<\/p>\n Sharing your own mistakes and failures as well as wins is also important \u2013 authenticity and transparency are key ways to engender the faith and confidence of your employees.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/diymarketers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/iStock-498766216-800x564-1.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n1. Communicate frequently and consistently<\/strong><\/h2>\n
2. Build trust<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\n3. Be clear about job descriptions and expectations<\/strong><\/h2>\n