As a business owner, you must have to admit that you need people to work with you to achieve the goals of your business. This is where outsourcing comes in. This article will show you tips to manage your outsourced teams.

Outsourcing is a common practice for businesses in several industries. The primary reason for its popularity is that it allows companies to focus on their income-generating activities while experts handle other aspects of their operations. Other reasons why outsourcing is prevalent include better opportunities for growth, improved efficiency and effectiveness, and reduced expenses for in-house manpower.

No matter what your reason is in choosing to outsource for your business, it’s important to remember that good management is essential in making sure it succeeds. The last thing you want is for your outsourced team to be the cause of operational issues that impact your core business activities.

Here are some helpful tips to consider for you to manage your outsourced teams and make the most out of it.

Regularly communicate with your outsourced teams

The physical distance typical of outsourcing is one of its biggest challenges. It often leads to miscommunication that impacts processes. For example, your outsourced team might be misinformed on timelines. Make sure everyone is on the same page by regularly communicating and coordinating with your in-house and outsourced teams.

Set up daily morning meetings to align on what’s to be accomplished that day. Another option would be to meet before the day ends for a recap of what was accomplished and to enumerate the goals and expectations for the following day. If your outsourced team is in a different time zone, weekly meetings might be more efficient.  

No matter how you do it, you must come up with a communications plan that works for your organization. Otherwise, you run the risk of making mistakes that could’ve easily been avoided.  

Create a system of management for your outsourced teams

Good leadership is essential in improved performance. When your outsourced team lacks organization, there is a risk of compromised workflow and delayed processes. Assign the necessary people to lead your outsourced teams in your place.

When you assign project managers to each of your outsourced teams, you create a chain of accountability for your business. This gives the members of these teams a direct relationship with a leader that doubles as their representative in larger-scale meetings. When done properly, this can streamline workflow and improve efficiency in your outsourced teams.

Treat your outsourced teams as if they were your in-house team

A difference in time zones is a major challenge to outsourcing. Although it is more likely for your outsourced teams to make the necessary adjustments, you still have to be mindful and respectful of these differences.

Consider scheduling meetings at a time that suits both parties. For example, if there is an eight-hour difference between your head office and the outsourced team, you can schedule meetings at the end of your business day. They can work on your assignments while you’re off the clock and you’d have what you asked for when you come in the next day.

Your outsourced team is there to help you grow your business in a scalable manner. But just because they are working separately from you doesn’t mean that you should treat them any differently. Treat them just like any member of your team so they will act like it.