You’re managing a remote team. How can you use technology to build strong relationships?

Managing a remote team can be challenging, especially when it comes to building strong relationships. Without face-to-face interactions, you might struggle to foster trust, collaboration, and engagement among your team members. However, technology can be a powerful ally in overcoming these obstacles and creating a positive team culture. Here are some ways you can use technology to build strong relationships with your remote team.

Key takeaways from this article

Foster personal connections:

Use video calls to show your face and expressions, building trust and rapport. Incorporate social media and chat apps to share personal stories, enhancing team empathy and understanding.### *Enhance collaboration:Leverage cloud-based platforms like Google Drive for real-time file access and project management tools like Asana for tracking progress. This ensures everyone is on the same page, boosting efficiency and productivity.

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1 Communicate effectively

Communication is the key to any successful team, but it's even more important when you're working remotely. You need to use technology to communicate clearly, frequently, and consistently with your team. This means choosing the right tools for different purposes, such as video conferencing for meetings, instant messaging for quick updates, and email for formal documents. You also need to establish communication norms and expectations, such as when to respond, how to give feedback, and what tone to use. And don't forget to communicate appreciation and recognition for your team's achievements and contributions.

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Matthew Fox

Director Of Training | Driving Success & Retention By Improving Safety, Performance, & Compliance | National Employee Training Programs | Fortune 60 Director | Strategy | Program Development | CDL Schools
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Microsoft Teams is a collaboration platform designed specifically for remote teams. It offers a variety of features that can help geographically separated teams stay connected and productive. From video conferencing to file sharing it is a great platform for remote teams! Asana is a project management tool that can be particularly useful for remote teams. Asana keeps all project information, tasks, and discussions in one place. This eliminates the need for emailing back and forth or hunting through documents to find the latest update. Everyone on the team can see what's happening in real time. Bravo is an employee recognition and rewards platform designed to boost team morale and engagement, especially well-suited for remote teams.

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2 Collaborate efficiently

Collaboration is another essential skill for remote teams, but it can be tricky to coordinate tasks, share ideas, and solve problems online. You need to use technology to collaborate efficiently and effectively with your team. This means using cloud-based platforms that allow you to access, edit, and sync files in real time, such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive. You also need to use project management tools that help you track progress, assign responsibilities, and set deadlines, such as Trello, Asana, or Basecamp. And don't forget to use brainstorming and creativity tools that enable you to generate and refine ideas, such as MindMeister, Mural, or Stormboard.

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3 Connect personally

Connection is the glue that holds remote teams together, but it can be hard to create and maintain personal bonds online. You need to use technology to connect personally and emotionally with your team. This means using video calls to show your face, body language, and expressions, which can increase trust and rapport. You also need to use social media and chat apps to share personal stories, interests, and hobbies, which can enhance understanding and empathy. And don't forget to use fun and interactive tools that allow you to have fun and relax with your team, such as games, quizzes, or polls.

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4 Learn continuously

Learning is the fuel that drives remote teams forward, but it can be difficult to find and access relevant and quality resources online. You need to use technology to learn continuously and improve your skills with your team. This means using online courses and webinars that offer flexible and interactive learning opportunities, such as Coursera, Udemy, or Skillshare. You also need to use podcasts and blogs that provide insights and tips from experts and peers, such as TED Talks, HBR, or Medium. And don't forget to use feedback and coaching tools that help you assess and develop your performance, such as 360-degree feedback, peer reviews, or mentorship programs.

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5 Adapt constantly

Adaptability is the skill that enables remote teams to thrive in a changing and uncertain environment, but it can be challenging to embrace and implement change online. You need to use technology to adapt constantly and innovate with your team. This means using data and analytics tools that help you measure and evaluate your results, such as Google Analytics, SurveyMonkey, or KPI dashboards. You also need to use experimentation and prototyping tools that help you test and refine your solutions, such as A/B testing, MVPs, or user feedback. And don't forget to use change management and leadership tools that help you communicate and lead change, such as Kotter's 8-step model, ADKAR, or Kotter's dual operating system.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Shane Hammons 🤓💡

Creative Leader | Digital Mentor
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Facilitate face-to-face interaction with regular video calls. Enhance collaboration with tools like Slack and Trello. Foster team bonding through virtual team-building activities. Celebrate achievements with recognition software. Accommodate schedules across time zones with flexible tools. Conduct personal check-ins to support individual team members. Create a shared workspace for centralized access to resources. Provide learning opportunities for professional development. Gather feedback to stay responsive to team needs. Promote well-being with health and wellness apps. Embrace these practices to maintain a connected, productive, and happy remote team. 🚀🤗

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Jessy George

LINKEDIN ENTHUSIAST Former EMIRATES AVIATION TRAINER
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You are managing remote team. How can you use technology to build strong relationships. I would say first have intention and curiosity to learn/learn from others regardless of their grades as there would be people who may have better tech knowledge than you. Have open mindedness. Have clarity in forming goals and communicating them with your team. Provide regular updates on the site as well. Regular online meeting andc check with your team on how they are doing? If they need support, offer. Have icebreakers whenever possible to energise team Recognise team's efforts.

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You’re managing a remote team. How can you use technology to build strong relationships?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Communicate effectively

2 Collaborate efficiently

3 Connect personally

4 Learn continuously

5 Adapt constantly

6 Here’s what else to consider

Team Building

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You’re managing a remote team. How can you use technology to build strong relationships?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Communicate effectively

2 Collaborate efficiently

3 Connect personally

4 Learn continuously

5 Adapt constantly

6 Here’s what else to consider

Team Building

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Thanks for your feedback

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