Sometimes, the challenge isn't just managing a team; it’s uniting it, especially when that
team is dispersed across remote locations and doesn’t have the opportunity to know their other teammates in person.
We can virtually meet someone, but it’s not the same feeling as meeting them face-to-face. As Vince Lombardi, an American football coach, once said: "Individual commitment to a group effort: That is what makes a team work.”
Defining Team Work
Let’s delve into what “teamwork” means. According to Cambridge, a team is "a number of people who act together as a group, either in a sport or to achieve something." A team doesn’t necessarily mean everyone should love each other or be best friends, but certain characteristics define what a team includes: confidence, resilience, sympathy, friendliness, and gratitude.
The Importance of Connection for Remote Workers
When working remotely, providing support and fellowship can be more important than you think. Connecting with others and feeling purpose and camaraderie are huge motivators for individuals, leading to success. When an employee feels motivated by their team, the sense of loneliness dissipates, improving their mental health. Additionally, this may lead to a broader personal network and a stronger bond during in-person meetings.
Creating and Maintaining a Sense of Belonging
Respect as the Foundation
The first value to instill in a team is respect. When hiring someone, let them know why you chose them and the main objectives you aim to achieve together. While your team is working, show appreciation for their efforts, understand their work schedule and work structure, and respect their cultural backgrounds and time zones.
Tools for Team Building
Utilize tools such as morning team meetings to keep everyone aware of their co-workers' activities, encourage mutual assistance, conduct brainstorming sessions for ideas and increased creativity, and establish team chats for continuous communication and feedback. Implementing weekly online team-building games and creating a space for personal news and updates further enhances the sense of community.
Leadership Matters
Being a leader is often taken for granted. Beyond completing tasks, leaders must review team dynamics and take responsibility for achieving company objectives. There's no perfect way to be a leader, but individuals value leaders who have a personal approach to their teams. To enhance the sense of community, be a leader that supports team members through failures, helps them dust off, and encourages them to keep going without repercussions.
Nurturing Team Unity in the Remote Landscape
Encouraging open communication for failure, questions, and success is vital. Recognizing and appreciating each other's contributions, even remotely, is not solely the job of a leader but a team chemistry that must be fostered collectively. As an employee from the Human Resources department noted, “Acknowledging and appreciating each other's contributions, even remotely, is paramount. It motivates individuals to go the extra mile.”
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