One of the most challenging aspects of running a business is managing your employees at multiple locations. It can be time-consuming and challenging. Business owners are tasked with finding ways to manage the specific needs and culture of each team. Finding ways to ensure your operation runs smoothly takes a lot of management effort and careful planning.
1. Use PSA Software
Instead of using separate tools for project management, such as tracking computer usage, budgeting, and business intelligence, professional services automation (PSA) software can help you manage your work more effectively. What is professional services automation? It is software that helps organizations manage their client engagements throughout the entire project lifecycle. It can start when a sales opportunity is created and conclude when the work is completed.
The goal of PSA software is to establish a consistent process that will allow organizations to manage their projects throughout their lifecycle. It can automate manual processes and deliver more predictable and repetitive work.
2. Use the Same Processes
Even though different sites may carry out the same functions, they often each have unique requirements. One thing you can consider when it comes to managing multiple locations is to consistently follow the same operating procedures. Make sure that you have the same policies and procedures when it comes to managing your teams and employees. This will allow you to keep track of all of your employees’ shifts and make it easier to move them around whenever needed.
3. Use a Management and Scheduling System
Having the same management systems and schedules for all of your employees is a must when it comes to managing multiple locations. Scheduling and management systems can help keep everything organized. Having the same online systems that are easy to use and are designed for everyone should be accessible to those who need them.
4. Be a Present Manager
It can be hard to manage multiple locations at the same time, but you should make sure that you take the necessary steps to make your presence felt. When it comes to managing multiple locations, managers should consider establishing a formal structure to keep in touch with the team. This will allow you to regularly reach out and make sure that your employees are on top of their work. Having a well-defined and active approach can help keep your employees focused on their goals.
5. Avoid Micromanaging
While you should be taking an active interest in every location, managing each detail at every single location is not a task any manager should undertake. Doing so will lead to stress on your part, and you might end up fighting a losing battle. Your subordinates will likely notice that you are struggling to manage, and they will likely express their frustration if you continue to micromanage and not deliver on your promises.
6. Learn to Delegate
As the business grows, you should start delegating some of the management tasks to other people. Doing so will allow you to relieve the pressure and focus on the important tasks at hand. This will allow your subordinates to have a local line manager who can handle minor issues and keep them focused on the main goal.
7. Communicate Strategies
A survey revealed that many frontline workers are not understanding how their role contributes to the team’s success. This issue could be a major barrier to team alignment. The goal of establishing and communicating an organization’s purpose and strategy is to align it with the expectations of its employees. While the CEO is mainly responsible for communicating the strategy and purpose, management should also be translating it into the various roles and responsibilities of its employees.
8. Tie Individuals to Business Objectives
Employees who can understand their role in the company’s grand plan are more likely to feel satisfied with their work. This can lead to greater results than allowing employees to feel like their work doesn’t matter.
Final Thoughts
Don’t underestimate the capabilities of your staff members. There are plenty of tasks that can be handled by your subordinates at each location. Transitioning some of the work to other people can help boost the team’s involvement and make them more invested in the company. These techniques effectively help managers control their multiple teams across the organization.