In 2024, remote and hybrid work team models have become the new normal. One of the biggest challenges with remote work is the loss of day-to-day in-person interactions. Casual office conversations, spontaneous brainstorms, and even quick chats by the coffee machine have all been replaced by scheduled meetings, video calls, and digital communication. This shift has made it more difficult to maintain a sense of connection and trust within teams. However, the solution to leading our teams remotely is not about reinventing communication; it’s about being intentional with how we communicate.
Regular Check-ins are Crucial
Regular check-ins, both one-on-one and in team settings, are crucial to creating and maintaining workplace connections. These virtual touchpoints replace the natural face-to-face interactions that used to happen in the office, helping to build trust, keep everyone aligned, and foster a sense of belonging among remote employees. For remote team members, who may feel isolated, these meetings are even more essential. A strong leader recognizes that virtual team members need extra attention to feel included and valued.
When team members feel that their voices are heard, they are more likely to trust their leaders and contribute meaningfully to the team’s success. By practicing active listening, leaders can create an environment where their employees feel safe to share their concerns, ideas, and feedback. Active listening isn’t just about hearing words—it’s about understanding the emotions and intentions behind them. This is especially important in virtual communication, where non-verbal cues are often harder to read.
To improve your active listening skills in remote settings, focus on these strategies:
Validate, don’t minimize: When a team member shares a concern, offer validation rather than advice or judgment. Phrases like, “That sounds challenging” or “I can understand why that would be frustrating” go a long way in helping team members feel heard and respected.
Ask clarifying questions: Don’t assume you fully understand someone’s point of view. Ask questions to dig deeper, ensuring you get the full picture.
Acknowledge emotions: Just as in face-to-face conversations, emotions are a natural part of communication. Show empathy by acknowledging these feelings, even if you can’t provide an immediate solution.
Lead with Intentional Communication
Leading in a remote or hybrid environment requires more than just managing tasks—it requires intentional communication, active listening, and regular check-ins to maintain trust and foster a positive team dynamic. If you want to improve your virtual leadership skills, start by honing your active listening techniques and committing to regular, meaningful check-ins with your team.
This is an opportunity for a HOLY SHIFT in your mindset and behavior. Did you discover any listening opportunities to improve your remote team relationships? Write them down where you will see them often, or download our worksheet companion, Sandbox Strategies for the New Workplace: Conflict Resolution from the Inside Out, to put them into action!
With peace,
Penny
Learn the strategies that will help your team resolve conflict in the NEW workplace.
- Embrace, accept, and welcome conflicting values
- Understand the importance of collaborative relationships for career advancement
- Take responsibility to co-create a winning culture with productive and profitable results
- Empathize with coworkers and even competitors to be the leader others WANT to follow
Press Appearances:
- CEOWorld Magazine
- Blue Heron Journal
- Mareo McCracken
- EverydayMBA, Host: Kevin Craine
- Savvy Business
- Swimming in the Flood
- Get Down to Business
- HR.com Leadership Excellence
- Indian Management Magazine
- Crafting Solutions to Conflict
- Vantage Fit Podcast
- Stay tuned, more coming soon…
