Chapter10: HowtoWorkinDifferentTimezones 103 difference gives you the freedom to code or write without distraction. Then, whentherestoftheteamisonline,you’llbemorefocusedatwhatyouneedto discuss with them before it’s time to get offline. 5. Stay Accountable to Focus on the Important Things Teams in traditional office settings measure productivity by how long each team member spends at his or her desk (I’m only half kidding). But remote teamscanfallintothe“I’monline,soI’mbeingproductive”trap,too. A time shift, though, forces you to show what you’ve actually accomplished, since few others were there to see if you were logged in all day. “A remoteworkenvironmentshouldencourageperformance—notpresence,” says entrepreneur Neil Patel. Then, you won’t have to worry about time off and how many hours people are working. “You are simply looking for high- performerswhocangetstuffdone.” The ability to hand off work is a productivity benefit, but it’s also motivator since you know you must accomplish tasks so you can hand them off to co- workers at day’s end. “It puts a little pressure on you to get your work done,” says TechCrunch’s Russell.