Module 1: Remote Team Foundation
Establish the essential infrastructure, tools, and cultural foundation for building a high-performing remote team.
Week 1: Remote Team Foundation & Infrastructure
Establish the essential tools, processes, and cultural foundation for effective remote team management.
Set up core remote work tool stack
Implement communication, collaboration, and project management tools. Configure integrations and permissions.
Establish security and access protocols
Set up secure password management, VPN access, and data security protocols for remote team members.
Define digital workspace standards
Create guidelines for digital workspaces, file organization, and naming conventions across all platforms.
Create team remote work manifesto
Document your team's remote work principles, values, and expectations for distributed collaboration.
Essential Remote Work Tool Stack
Communication
EssentialSlack
Team messaging and quick communication
- • Channels
- • Direct messages
- • File sharing
- • App integrations
- • Create workspace
- • Set up channels
- • Configure notifications
- • Add integrations
Zoom
Video conferencing and screen sharing
- • HD video calls
- • Screen sharing
- • Recording
- • Breakout rooms
- • Create account
- • Install apps
- • Schedule recurring meetings
- • Set up waiting rooms
Loom
Asynchronous video communication
- • Screen recording
- • Video messages
- • Easy sharing
- • Analytics
- • Install browser extension
- • Configure recording settings
- • Create team workspace
Project Management
EssentialNotion
All-in-one workspace for docs, tasks, and knowledge
- • Databases
- • Templates
- • Collaboration
- • Integration
- • Create workspace
- • Set up project templates
- • Configure permissions
- • Import existing data
Linear
Issue tracking and project management
- • Issue tracking
- • Sprint planning
- • Roadmaps
- • Integrations
- • Create workspace
- • Set up projects
- • Configure workflows
- • Integrate with tools
Time & Productivity
HiveDesk*
Time tracking and productivity monitoring
- • Time tracking
- • Screenshot monitoring
- • Activity levels
- • Reporting
- • Create account
- • Install desktop app
- • Configure tracking settings
- • Set up projects
RescueTime
Automatic time tracking and productivity insights
- • Automatic tracking
- • Productivity scoring
- • Goal setting
- • Detailed reports
- • Install on devices
- • Configure categories
- • Set productivity goals
Security
Essential1Password
Team password management and security
- • Password generation
- • Secure sharing
- • Two-factor auth
- • Security monitoring
- • Create team account
- • Install apps
- • Share team vaults
- • Enable 2FA
Core Remote Work Principles
Asynchronous by Default
Prioritize async communication to respect different time zones and deep work
- ✓ Document decisions in writing
- ✓ Use threaded conversations
- ✓ Record important meetings
- ✓ Set clear response time expectations
Transparency & Documentation
Make information accessible to all team members
- ✓ Keep shared knowledge bases updated
- ✓ Document processes and decisions
- ✓ Share meeting notes publicly
- ✓ Maintain open project status
Results-Focused Culture
Measure success by outcomes, not hours worked
- ✓ Set clear goals and expectations
- ✓ Focus on deliverables and deadlines
- ✓ Trust team members to manage their time
- ✓ Regular check-ins on progress
Intentional Communication
Be thoughtful about when and how to communicate
- ✓ Choose the right communication channel
- ✓ Provide context in messages
- ✓ Use clear, concise language
- ✓ Confirm understanding