Blog Posts

Nick Di Stefano Nick Di Stefano

Managing distributed teams

Managing a distributed team can be a challenging but rewarding experience. A distributed team is a group of people who work remotely from different locations, rather than in a traditional office setting. This type of team structure has become increasingly popular in recent years due to advances in communication and collaboration technologies, as well as the increasing trend of remote work.

There are several key considerations for managing a distributed team effectively.

First, it is important to establish clear communication channels and protocols. This includes setting regular team meetings, using video conferencing tools, and establishing guidelines for email communication. It is also helpful to have a project management tool in place to help organize tasks and keep track of progress.

Second, it is essential to create a sense of community and connection among team members, even though they are physically separated. This can be achieved through regular check-ins, social events, and team-building activities. Encouraging team members to share their experiences, ideas, and challenges can also help build a sense of connection and support.

Third, it is important to establish trust and accountability among team members. This involves setting clear expectations and deadlines, as well as providing support and resources to help team members meet those expectations. It is also important to be flexible and adaptable, as remote work can often involve unexpected challenges or changes.

Finally, it is essential to pay attention to the well-being and work-life balance of team members. Remote work can sometimes blur the lines between work and home, so it is important to establish boundaries and encourage team members to take breaks and disconnect from work when necessary.

Managing a distributed team requires clear communication, a sense of community, trust and accountability, and a focus on well-being. By following these principles, managers can effectively lead and support their team members, regardless of their physical location.

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Nick Di Stefano Nick Di Stefano

UXPA Boston Call For Speakers

UXPA Boston is always looking for passionate speakers that can educate and challenge our design community. We’re open to experienced speakers and individuals looking for more exposure to professional speaking.

We’re looking for content that shows and educates — not tells and sells. Talks include deep dives, case studies, and specific examples. If you’ve got a captivating story of interest, we would love to have you! We typically look for topics specifically related to the design of digital products, such as:

  • Accessibility

  • Design Strategy

  • Design’s Impact on Social and Economic Issues

  • Design Systems

  • Research Methods

  • Emerging Technology such as AI, AR, and VUI

  • Expert Tips in Tools of the Trade

  • Career Advice For Designers

Send Us Your Pitch!

Have an idea?

We hold at least one event every month. We need a few details to get started, such as your contact information and idea.

If you’re a new speaker, let us know, and we’ll work with you to help you prepare.

Submit your proposal!

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Nick Di Stefano Nick Di Stefano

Letter as new UXPA Boston President

Happy new year, everyone!

As we start a new year, I am thrilled to officially begin my term as the incoming president of the Boston chapter of UXPA and continue the efforts of our outgoing President, Bob Thomas. I also want to thank Lisa Spitz, concluding her tenure on the UXPA Boston board, for all her work and dedication in organizing our conference and our upcoming website redesign. Follow us for updates!

As president, I intend to promote the values of UX and its related professions while striving to learn more about how our chapter can empower a broad range of practitioners and teams. In addition, I plan to continue promoting a more comprehensive range of voices in our field and build more opportunities for mentorship and community-building.

With me is the rest of the UXPA Boston board:

  • Astrid Chow, Vice President

  • Chris Hass, Clerk

  • Susie Robson, Treasurer

  • Rich Le, Volunteer Director

  • Jessika Welch, Mentoring Director

  • Rachel Power, Monthly Meeting Director

  • Craig Cailler, Conference Director

  • Ankita Dutta, Website Director

  • James Vasquez, Marketing Director

  • Brady Bonus, Co-Conference, and Co-Mentoring Director

Join us on Slack

As our Slack community grows, I invite you to join the over 2,000 members there. Interested in joining?

Join our slack group

Looking to 2023

Through 2023, I plan to continue our work in fostering a community of user experience professionals and facilitating professional development and education within the UX field for the UXPA community in Boston.

As the year continues, look for the launch of the new uxpaboston.org website and announcements of upcoming events.

Speaking of events, we hope you join us next month to learn how to land your first UX job from leading UX pro Lori Yaverbaum as she shares her 20+ years of mentoring experience.

RSVP on Eventbrite

Thank you,

Nick Di Stefano

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