What do you do if your remote colleagues in social impact careers are difficult to connect with?
Navigating remote work in social impact roles can sometimes feel like sailing in uncharted waters, especially when it's hard to connect with colleagues who are spread across different time zones and cultures. The challenges of virtual collaboration are real, but they're not insurmountable. By understanding the nuances of digital communication and the importance of establishing strong interpersonal connections, you can foster a collaborative environment that transcends physical boundaries. Remember, your mission-driven work relies on the collective effort of your team, so finding ways to bridge the gap with remote colleagues is crucial for amplifying your impact.
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Vanessa Bouché, Ph.D.Award-winning social impact leader + scholar
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Pallavi MahajanUnited Nations | Social Impact Consultant & Gender Expert | Published Author | Chevening Scholar
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Krunal ShahProgram Manager - Elixir Foundation | Indian Representative at United Nations | Social Entrepreneurship - University of…
When you notice a disconnect with remote colleagues, start by assessing their communication needs and preferences. Everyone has different styles and comfort levels with digital tools, so it's important to find a common ground that works for everyone. You might discover that some team members prefer video calls for more nuanced discussions, while others favor instant messaging for quick updates. By aligning on the most effective channels for different types of communication, you can enhance clarity and reduce misunderstandings. Remember, the goal is to create an inclusive environment where all voices can be heard, regardless of their physical location.
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In my experience, it can be a little difficult to establish a connection with remote colleagues but I s is not impossible. Following strategies can help: 1. Make use of technology, communication, and collaboration tools such as video conferencing platforms, instant messaging apps, and project management software to stay connected with remote colleagues. 2. : Plan virtual social activities or team-building exercises, including coffee chats, online games, and happy hours, to help foster a sense of camaraderie and community among remote colleagues. 3. Recognize and be flexible and. adaptable to that everyone has different work styles, schedules, and communication preferences, especially when working remotely.
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If remote colleagues are difficult to connect with, there are several strategies you can employ to foster better communication and collaboration. 1. Schedule Regular Check-ins. Try to establish a routine for regular virtual meetings to touch base with your remote colleagues. This can be a weekly team meeting, bi-weekly catch-ups, or daily stand-ups, depending on the nature of your work and the preferences of your team. 2. Use Multiple Communication Channels to reach out to your remote colleagues, including email, instant messaging platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams), video conferencing tools, and phone calls. Different colleagues may prefer different modes of communication, so offering multiple options can improve accessibility.
Clear expectations are the backbone of effective remote collaboration. It's essential to establish agreed-upon norms for response times, meeting attendance, and project deadlines. When everyone knows what's expected of them, it reduces the chances of frustration and ensures that the team functions smoothly. Don't forget to be flexible, though; social impact work often requires adapting to changing circumstances. By setting realistic expectations and allowing room for life's unpredictability, you foster a supportive culture that values both productivity and well-being.
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Set expectations: Clear guidelines (response times, meetings) keep things smooth. Be flexible - social impact work is unpredictable! Virtual watercooler: Schedule casual chats to build rapport. Talk about anything but work! Shared purpose: Discuss inspiring stories or challenges you face. Social impact unites! Tech is your friend: Use shared docs, project tools, and chat platforms to stay connected and work together.
Trust is the glue that holds remote teams together. To build this trust, make an effort to engage in regular check-ins and provide opportunities for team members to share personal updates along with work-related progress. This helps to humanize the virtual workspace and creates a sense of camaraderie. Encourage transparency and vulnerability by sharing your own experiences and challenges. When colleagues feel connected on a personal level, they're more likely to collaborate effectively and support one another through the ups and downs of social impact work.
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If you are finding it difficult to connect with a remote colleague in a social impact organization to build trust here are some steps to take: Initiate communication: Take the first step and reach out to your remote colleague. Be proactive in initiating conversations and finding common ground. Schedule virtual meetings: Set up regular virtual meetings or check-ins with your remote colleague. This provides an opportunity to have more in-depth conversations, share updates, and build rapport. Practice active listening: When communicating with your remote colleague, practice active listening. Give them your full attention, ask open-ended questions, and show genuine interest in their thoughts and ideas.
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Be supportive and understanding of your remote colleagues' challenges and circumstances, especially if they are facing barriers to communication or collaboration. Offer flexibility in work schedules and deadlines to accommodate different time zones, caregiving responsibilities, or personal commitments.
Embrace the plethora of digital tools available to facilitate better connection with your remote colleagues. Whether it's project management software to keep everyone on the same page or virtual whiteboards for brainstorming sessions, these tools can help bridge the communication gap. Make sure to provide training and support for any new platforms to ensure everyone is comfortable using them. By leveraging technology wisely, you can create a virtual workspace that is just as dynamic and interactive as a physical office.
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For one of my teams, we use a Slack plugin called Donut. It automates “water cooler” topics to give people random questions to slack answers to and get to know each other a little better. It also auto-schedules one-on-one meetings with colleagues just to chat—nothing about work, just to get to know each other personally.
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Asynchronous communication is key! Using Teams/Slack and project management tool allows us to feel connected when we are on different schedules. The fun emojis are a great touch. We have started sending video messages using Loom or Teams instead of having meetings. Great to feel a personal connection still while cutting back on meetings. For us the magic is having video on when we do meet. It’s mandatory with few exceptions. It really changes the feeling of connection.
Open channels for feedback are vital in understanding how to improve connections with your remote colleagues. Encourage team members to voice their concerns and suggestions about communication practices. This not only helps in identifying areas that need improvement but also empowers everyone to take ownership of the team's success. Act on the feedback you receive; it shows that you value your colleagues' input and are committed to creating a collaborative environment that works for everyone.
Lastly, don't forget to celebrate successes and milestones together. Recognizing individual and team achievements can go a long way in building a positive team culture, even when you're not physically together. Celebrations can be as simple as a group call with virtual high-fives or an online event with fun activities. Celebrating successes fosters a sense of belonging and reminds everyone that their contributions are appreciated and make a difference in the collective pursuit of social impact.
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If establishing connections with remote team members in social impact careers proves challenging, I recommend considering the implementation of virtual coffee chat sessions. This informal platform offers an opportunity to foster camaraderie outside of conventional work-related discussions. Schedule a designated time, inviting participants to join a video conferencing platform. Initiate the session with icebreaker activities or prompts that encourage personal sharing related to social impact interests. Following the event, express gratitude for participation and contemplate potential future gatherings. Such initiatives serve to enrich team cohesion and bolster remote collaboration efforts.
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