Building Connections Beyond Screens
In the ever-evolving landscape of remote work, the role of a technology leader has undergone significant transformation. As someone who leads a 100% remote team, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of forming genuine connections with team members, not just as professionals, but as humans with unique lives beyond the virtual office space.
Building Personal Connections
One of the key aspects of effective remote leadership is recognizing the humanity behind the screen. I’ve found that taking the time to delve into non-work-related topics during meetings helps create a more personal and connected team. For instance, my team is well aware of my home life, including my wife, 2-year-old daughter, 7-year-old son, and our two enthusiastic dogs. These super-stars of my family often make appearances in our video calls. When they do, it may provide a brief distraction, but it also is a reminder that we are more then our work. These personal tidbits not only humanize the work environment but also create a sense of familiarity and shared experiences.
Nurturing Team Relationships
Despite being spread across different locations, we make a conscious effort to foster relationships beyond work discussions. In-person meetups, whenever possible, provide invaluable face-to-face interactions. Whether it’s a casual lunch or coffee with team members in or near North Carolina, or strategically planning business events in accessible locations, these opportunities contribute to team cohesion.
One thing to keep in mind is that, often times, people in remote work situations seek them out. (I know I did as I was looking to find a place post pandemic where I could be at home as much as possible to be with my wife and soon-to-be daughter). Some people crave in-person meetups while others dread them. I try to make in-person optional so that those that want to remain 100% remote don’t feel guilt in doing so.
Ice Breakers, Happy Hours, and Gaming Sessions
Recognizing the need for a relaxed atmosphere, we incorporate various team-building activities into our remote work routine. Ice breakers during meetings, virtual happy hours, and gaming sessions serve as outlets where the team can unwind, share laughs, and simply enjoy each other’s company. These activities not only boost morale but also contribute to a more cohesive and collaborative team spirit.
Ice breakers in particular are a huge hit. Consider adding some trivia before the start of a routinely schedule meeting (like a sprint review). Give the team just a few mins to send their answers in the chat. This will naturally create some discussion and usually some laughs as people come up with their answers.
For example: How many slices of pizza are eaten in the United States every second? (The answer is 350!).
Credit to https://slideswith.com/blog/team-building-trivia-questions for providing the example and a source for you to check out to help get your team talking.
Leveraging Technology
In a remote setting, communication tools play a pivotal role in keeping the team connected. Slack has emerged as a central hub for us, surpassing traditional email or voice communication. Efficient organization of channels, integration with third-party entities, and communication etiquette are crucial aspects of our Slack usage. I emphasize the importance of timely responses, aiming for acknowledgment within an hour, or proactive communication about unavailability.
Another tool that has proven invaluable is Bonusly, seamlessly integrated into Slack. This platform allows team members to recognize and appreciate each other’s efforts by awarding points. This not only enhances employee recognition but also injects an element of fun with embedded gifs and leaderboards.
Challenges in Remote Leadership
Navigating remote work in the tech industry is not without its challenges. One notable difficulty is the tendency for conversations to revolve around work topics. Despite our best efforts, it can be challenging to shift focus and encourage more personal conversations. Striking the right balance between professional and personal discussions requires intentional effort but is crucial for team well-being.
It is also quite difficult to “read the room”. Is the person on the video chat making that face because of something you said, or because their dogs are barking at someone at the door? Are the participants actually listening to you? Or are they multi-tasking trying to do something else at the same time. You also loose the element of being able to read body language of individuals.
Another challenge is that there are not natural collisions between people like you would have at the office water cooler or break area. Often times those are great places to exchange some quick info, get updates, or check in on things. As a result we have more meetings because we still need this info but don’t have ways to obtain it casually. Because of this, days can be packed with back-to-backs, that cause fatigue.
Conclusion
Embracing remote leadership in the tech industry involves a combination of technology, personal connection, and adaptability. By actively building personal connections, nurturing team relationships through various activities, leveraging technology effectively, and addressing challenges head-on, we can create a thriving remote work environment where individuals feel valued not just for their professional contributions but as integral members of a closely-knit team.