You're managing a remote team across time zones. How do you build trust and collaboration effectively? (2024)

Leading remotely is very different than in person but you can make it great but you need to be purposeful with your communications and conversations. Setting up regular check-ins and attending them are important. People at home need to know when and how they will be communicated with and involved. Regular communication needs to happen and do it in a variety of ways. Video calls are important to see one another on a regular basis. Checking in via text and chat are also great ways to build relationships, keep things fun and make sure people feel included. If you can set an in person meeting now and then that is great also. Finding different ways is the key to making the working relationship a great one.

It's easy for people working remotely to feel isolated and not included. It's important to remain purposeful on your team and how you communicate. Make sure to set up regular meetings with everyone evenly. Also, don't forget group meetings where everyone can interact together as a team. This helps foster the team environment needed for inclusion. Also make sure to ask for everyone to provide feedback and if you have quiet people on the team make sure to ask them directly on calls if they have something to share and give them the space to do that. Sometimes in group calls, more quiet people have trouble getting their voices heard. Using emojis or hand raises on zoom/teams etc.. helps to allow everyone to speak.

As a leader, I always blocked time on my calendar to just chat and engage with my team on slack, IM, text, email, etc... Keep track of who you have had great conversations with and make notes to build on with future conversations. For those that don't participate with online communications as much, set up calls to check in. Also ask your people individually how they like to communicate and what is their preferred method to help make sure you are meeting them where they are to foster that relationship. If you all can get together in person that's great but you can do virtual fun engagements over zoom as well. Finding ways to add fun into the group online helps people feel more of a team even remotely.

There are many tools to help engage virtually. Zoom, Teams, Slack.. etc.. are just some. There are also companies that run virtual fun engagements for you so you can have your team online together doing things like cooking classes, working out, dance classes, escape rooms and more. You can play all kinds of games like family feud, wordle, online drawasauras, online learning games like kahoot and more that can really drive fun and engagement. Using all the various tools available helps keeps things new, fun, and engaging.

Fostering trust and collaboration in a geographically dispersed team requires strategic communication. Establish clear expectations for work hours and deliverables, while acknowledging the need for flexibility. Respect time zones by utilizing asynchronous communication tools like project management platforms and documentation. Promote a sense of connection through regular check-ins, celebrate achievements, and consider incorporating virtual social activities. Leverage collaboration tools that enhance workflow, and prioritize an inclusive environment where all voices are heard. By focusing on clear communication, flexibility, and recognizing the human element, you can build a thriving remote team across any time zone.