Leading remote teams using Videoconferencing and IoT

The latest technological developments like mobile video conferencing and telepresence have created a revolution in the field of Videoconferencing. One of the latest entrants in this field is the Internet of Things (IoT), which can leave a profound influence across different industries and businesses. When videoconferencing and IoT are brought together, business managers are able to bring together teams from different geographical areas with ease and manage workers in remote areas more effectively. In modern times, the flexibility and mobility of managers and workers is of utmost importance. These are all made possible through the latest technological tools.

Using video conferencing

Of late, Videoconferencing has emerged as the most powerful tool to manage remote workers. It provides many benefits over the traditional email, texting and phone calls. Non-verbal communication is also of utmost importance as it conveys the mood and intent of the participants. This can be made possible only through telepresence or video conferencing. Moreover, the engagement rate of participants increases if they are in front of the camera. This improves the overall efficiency of the meeting. With the right equipment and techniques in place, it is possible to share screens, slides and even collaborate on written documents in video conferencing. Videoconferencing and telepresence are the key to managing teams remotely.

Here are a few points on the importance of managing a team:

- Daily communication: A team manager should communicate with the team members daily about the work and updates. This way team members can give and receive suggestions and also receive positive feedback for their work which keeps them motivated. New ideas can be brainstormed and generally both the parties can stay on the same page through daily communication.

- Developing a rapport: Through effective video conferencing, the team manager is able to build a rapport with the team members which keeps them happy and motivated both as an individual and as a team.

- One on one: Since the manager is able to carry out one on one communication with the team members, he is able to understand their problems well and come up with a solution. It also helps in building rapport and in sharing information with the team members.

- Readily available: For a team to be effective, the manager and the team members should be on their feet at all times. If there is a critical issue and the team members are not able to reach the manager, then the whole purpose of team work is defeated.

If the team manager is working off site or if the members are working remotely, then all these aspects of team management becomes increasingly difficult. However, thanks to videoconferencing team managers are now able to communicate effectively with team members and overcome all difficulties. On the other hand, Internet of things allows better connectivity between mobile video conferencing devices, technology tools like document camera and electronic whiteboards and onsite meeting rooms. This, along with videoconferencing helps in enhanced productivity, efficiency, and human interaction.

How to manage with the Internet of Things?

What is IoT?

IoT allows a number of devices to share information with each another. Information like location, sensory data, statistics of usage, off/on status and other settings can be shared between these devices. Thus, there is not a need for the physical presence of a manager to access the data or discuss and control presentations. The manager, on the other hand, can work from any remote location such as a hotel or a resort. He just has to connect to a Wi-Fi and send information to an electronic whiteboard or screen in the company’s boardroom for attendees on site. The remote participants, on the other hand, are able to access this information on their desktop or mobile screen.

The most up to date technology in the field of teleconferencing is voice activated Artificial Intelligence (AI). This, when connected to the IoT, allows employees and managers to ask questions to a voice activated device. It would then receive an answer almost right away. This helps in ensuring the flow of the meeting. Using this technology, you no longer have to pause during a presentation to look for information in the internet or through files.

In addition to the effective conduct of meetings, IoT also helps in tracking movement of people inside business places. This helps in energy management and cost savings. With these sensors, the presence of people inside a meeting room can be detected. Moreover, by sending this information to a scheduling app, employees are able to know the time of the meeting and location hence, enhancing time management. Notification are sent to the remote managers when employees start showing up for the meeting. This helps in improving the overall efficiency.

In addition, these sensors that are part of IoT can detect any audio-visual equipment, light or HVAC system running in an empty room and necessary signals can be sent. This is then controlled from a remote location which in return helps conserve energy and extending the overall life of the equipment.

Other Remote Team Management Technologies

IoT and video conferencing are not just the only technologies available to make the task of managers and employees easier. There are various other technologies that helps in accessing information irrespective of location.

Cloud computing is another effective technology that can be used for sharing information. Using this technology, employees and managers are able to access information from any part of the world. Various activities like distributing task to employees, assigning responsibilities, setting up new software and tracking employee timing can be done using cloud computing. Mobile apps are another effective tool that helps managers to manage telecommuters and flexible work schedule. These apps send notification to the employee’s desktop or mobile device irrespective of their location.

Thus, effective remote team management is now possible using Videoconferencing, IoT, Artificial intelligence, Cloud Computing, and Mobile Apps. Managers adopt these technologies to effectively manage their team from any place and any time. A more engaged workforce, better work/life balance, and motivated employees are the reward of using these technologies.