Making remote teams work

Team Building

Building a strong team ethos remotely requires intentional efforts to foster connections. Aarron Walter shares how activities like "show and tell" during team meetings can create personal bonds, revealing the irony that remote work can sometimes feel more personal than in-office interactions 1. Stephen Gates emphasizes the importance of trust and emotional connection, noting that leaders often struggle with maintaining their identity and communication in remote settings 2. Jennifer Aldrich adds that remote environments can lead to deeper friendships, as she has experienced at InVision 2.

It's a pretty personal way to work, which is kind of surprising. People would think remote. It's not very personal, but you're peering into people's lives every day.

--- Aarron Walter

Creating a deliberate culture and using tools like Slack bots can enhance team dynamics and foster new connections 3.

   

Adjusting to Change

Adapting to sudden changes, such as the shift to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, requires flexibility and self-care. Jennifer Aldrich shares her experience of balancing personal and professional life, emphasizing the importance of taking breaks and focusing on self-care 4. Stephen Gates notes the increased need for connection as people feel the distance in remote settings, highlighting the gratitude for having the skills to work remotely 5.

It's been really interesting having this change, because even though I've been working remotely for five years, for some reason, having this shift with COVID has changed my entire experience with it.

--- Jennifer Aldrich

Both guests acknowledge the challenges and opportunities that come with adjusting to a new normal, encouraging others to find their rhythm in this evolving landscape.

   

Establishing Processes

Establishing clear processes and documentation is crucial for effective remote team collaboration. Stephen Gates highlights the need for structured communication and the use of tools that everyone can access, such as Slack, to maintain team cohesion 3. Jennifer Aldrich stresses the importance of setting communication expectations, noting that different teams may rely on various tools like Slack or Zoom, and it's vital to clarify these preferences from the start 6.

If you just lay that out there and say, look, you know, conference call, whatever the tools are we have available, this is the way we're going to use them.

--- Stephen Gates

Additionally, providing consistent feedback and choosing the right communication channels are essential for building trust and ensuring everyone is on the same page 7.