109 | 7 Steps for Effectively Managing Your Team of Freelancers

Working with a team is one of the best things that you can do to help accomplish your goals. It refocuses your time on the important high-value tasks that only you do, and that make your business work. Here are some tips for managing your team more effectively.

1. Clearly communicate expectations

When you’re hiring someone, it’s a good practice to write out an in-depth job description so that you know what kind of skills are needed. It also helps clarify things such as pay and time commitment. Make sure the person you end up hiring is aware of your expectations.

2. Define KPIs

KPIs, or Key Performance Indicators, are critical. Every person you hire will need to handle a different role and there should be different benchmarks by which they are evaluated. It’s important to let your team members know what success looks like for their position, so make sure that KPIs are clearly communicated.

3. Set up weekly one-on-ones

It’s important to meet with your team at least once a week. Ask them how they’re doing, show empathy, care about them and their position. Ask how you can support them in their role, and they’ll return that favor.

4. Schedule tasks ahead of time

Before you’re done with work on Friday, assign all the next week’s tasks for your team so that they know what is expected of them. No one likes surprises in a work environment, so try and be thorough in assigning your tasks.

5. Estimate project timelines

A lot of teams, including mine, rank time on a zero to three scale. Zero means it takes very little time, three means it takes a lot of time. This helps you and your team figure out how much time everything will take in a given day.

6. Ask how you can help

Take time, maybe in the middle of the week, to check in with your team and ask what you can do to help them. Asking questions, even if they’re not work related, makes them feel heard and supported.

7. Say “Thank You”

People love being told “thank you,” especially when they’ve gone above and beyond for a task. When you pay them a compliment or say thanks, really mean it. This is important not only for the sake of morale, but because it’s the right thing to do.

“You need to focus on your zone of genius. Your time is valuable and it’s crucial that you’re spending time on the things that you are best at and that produce money for your business.”

Main Takeaways You need a team to help you take over the small tasks so you can focus on growing your business. Communication is key. Whether you’re describing a job, outlining expectations, or just checking in, communication is at the center of everything. Treat your freelancers like real human beings with feelings. Even simple conversation helps endear them to you and your work. Links Instagram