There is a fallacy in today’s remote team context that everything can be done remote. Remote does not mean out of touch. Remote does not mean we don’t see each other or need to.
Where possible, it can be very useful to come together as a team for events – team meetings, team connection and/or team retreats. While this may not occur every week, month or quarter, aiming to bring people together for face-to-face activities can deepen the connections, and extend the conversation, which can be more challenging when we try to it virtually.
Here are some possible ways to incorporate more face-to-face time:
#1 – Be sure to stream where you can. Many teams today are opting to move to platforms like Zoom or Facetime where it’s literally like you are seeing each other. Have people share something from “outside the screen” to help build a greater sense of “Who is Who”, and the context in which they operate within.
#2 – Block in time and budget to focus on face-to-face meetings. Some teams will bring people together each month or quarter, whereas for some teams it may only be once a year or every two years. With the sub-regional team I lead years ago, we got together every year for a FULL 1.5 days. The amount of time we spent formally, and informally, had a positive residue all year long. Consider what is going to be the best balance of work, sharing, formal and informal time for longer retreat meetings.
#3 – Make a point to rotate meeting time. Inevitably it is often one or two people who are asked to meet at a different time. Frequency and consistency around meetings are important for everyone. What is the best rhythm for your team?
For more on this topic, consider reading these posts:
Teams365 1224 - Visuals in Remote Meetings
Teams365 #1911 - Effective Virtual Conversations Tip 87
Teams365 #1773 - Five things to get on the calendar right now
Not sure what to do when you get there? Check out the 20 Focus Areas for Remote Team Development Ebook. It includes facilitated instructions to 20 different things you can do with your remote/virtual team. Purchase and download a copy here.
Have a great week,
Jennifer
Where possible, it can be very useful to come together as a team for events – team meetings, team connection and/or team retreats. While this may not occur every week, month or quarter, aiming to bring people together for face-to-face activities can deepen the connections, and extend the conversation, which can be more challenging when we try to it virtually.
Here are some possible ways to incorporate more face-to-face time:
#1 – Be sure to stream where you can. Many teams today are opting to move to platforms like Zoom or Facetime where it’s literally like you are seeing each other. Have people share something from “outside the screen” to help build a greater sense of “Who is Who”, and the context in which they operate within.
#2 – Block in time and budget to focus on face-to-face meetings. Some teams will bring people together each month or quarter, whereas for some teams it may only be once a year or every two years. With the sub-regional team I lead years ago, we got together every year for a FULL 1.5 days. The amount of time we spent formally, and informally, had a positive residue all year long. Consider what is going to be the best balance of work, sharing, formal and informal time for longer retreat meetings.
#3 – Make a point to rotate meeting time. Inevitably it is often one or two people who are asked to meet at a different time. Frequency and consistency around meetings are important for everyone. What is the best rhythm for your team?
For more on this topic, consider reading these posts:
Teams365 1224 - Visuals in Remote Meetings
Teams365 #1911 - Effective Virtual Conversations Tip 87
Teams365 #1773 - Five things to get on the calendar right now
Not sure what to do when you get there? Check out the 20 Focus Areas for Remote Team Development Ebook. It includes facilitated instructions to 20 different things you can do with your remote/virtual team. Purchase and download a copy here.
Have a great week,
Jennifer
Jennifer Britton – Potentials Realized
Leadership | Teamwork | Business Success
Author of multiple books including Effective Virtual Conversations (2017), PlanDoTrack (2019) and From One to Many: Best Practices for Team and Group Coaching (2013)
Follow along with the #90DaysPlanDoTrack series over at Instagram @CoachingBizBuilder
Join the conversation at the Conversation Sparker Zone - our online community where you can explore virtual and team issues, coaching, productivity and business development.
Pick up a copy of Volume 1 of the Weekly Journaling Prompts in a digital format. Print it out and take it with you for some inspiration and writing on the go! Available at the Potentials Realized Store.
For those looking for tips, tools and ideas about remote work and support for your remote teams, be sure to check out these tags and resources.
Leadership | Teamwork | Business Success
Author of multiple books including Effective Virtual Conversations (2017), PlanDoTrack (2019) and From One to Many: Best Practices for Team and Group Coaching (2013)
Follow along with the #90DaysPlanDoTrack series over at Instagram @CoachingBizBuilder
Join the conversation at the Conversation Sparker Zone - our online community where you can explore virtual and team issues, coaching, productivity and business development.
Pick up a copy of Volume 1 of the Weekly Journaling Prompts in a digital format. Print it out and take it with you for some inspiration and writing on the go! Available at the Potentials Realized Store.
For those looking for tips, tools and ideas about remote work and support for your remote teams, be sure to check out these tags and resources.
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