Remote work has become increasingly common in recent years. With it comes the challenge of maintaining effective communication among team members. As an executive leadership coach, I have seen firsthand the impact that poor communication can have on remote teams.
It can lead to misunderstandings. Decreased productivity, and a lack of cohesion. However, I have also witnessed the power of implementing proven strategies to improve communication. It can help foster a more connected and engaged remote team.
Here are seven strategies that I have found to be highly effective:
Establish Clear Communication Channels: Ensure that your team knows which channels to use for different types of communication. Such as email for formal updates, instant messaging for quick questions, and video conferencing for team meetings.
Schedule Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular check-ins with team members to discuss progress, challenges, and goals. This helps foster a sense of connection and ensures that everyone is aligned and working towards the same objectives.
Leverage Video Conferencing: Encourage the use of video conferencing for meetings and team discussions. This helps create a more personal connection and allows team members to pick up on non-verbal cues that can be missed in written communication.
Organize Communication Trivia: Organize a monthly trivia game that tests team members’ knowledge of communication best practices. This engaging activity reinforces the importance of effective communication while promoting teamwork and healthy competition.
Implement “In My Shoes” Exercise: Have team members take turns sharing a day in their work life through photos, videos, or written updates. This exercise helps build empathy and understanding among team members, leading to more effective communication and collaboration.
Create a Virtual Water Cooler: Create a dedicated channel for non-work-related conversations, just like gathering around the water cooler in a physical office. Encourage team members to share personal updates, jokes, and interesting articles to build camaraderie and trust.
Continuously Evaluate and Adjust: Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of your communication strategies and be willing to make adjustments as needed. This helps ensure that your team is always communicating in the most effective way possible.
By implementing these proven strategies, you can significantly improve communication within your remote team. This leads to increased productivity, better collaboration, and a more engaged and connected team overall.
Lead from Within: By prioritizing clear, open, and consistent communication, you can create a culture of trust, collaboration, and high performance.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- How to Keep Your Remote Team On The Right Track
- How to Collaborate Effectively with a Remote Team
- The Two Biggest Communication Mistakes A Leader Can Make
- 5 Communication Strategies That Will Transform Your Leadership
- 4 Toxic Communication Styles To Avoid As a Leader
- 5 Verbal Communication Mistakes You Need To Correct Asap
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.