Ask Kim | How To Help My Team Build Connection

Dear Kim,

My team is so busy, so overwhelmed, and so different from each other. I want to help foster a culture of empathy, connection, and engagement, but how can we connect when we’re all over the map—and all across the country or the world?

Signed,

Around the World and Dizzy

Dear Around the World,

First, you are not alone.  I continue to hear this challenge (AKA: Momentum Buster) from so many other leaders right now. Technology and our work-from-anywhere world can be a double-edged sword, right? On one hand, we have the ability to connect to others at our fingertips. But on the other hand, just because we have that ability, doesn’t mean we always take advantage of it. (What kind of superpower is that?!)

It sometimes helps to think of remote work like a TV remote. 

• Power On/Off Button: Just as you start and end a Netflix binge with the power button, establish clear boundaries for work hours. Make sure your team knows when they are expected to be online and when they should disconnect and recharge.

• Play/Pause: Press play to inject fun and personality into your team’s workday. Encourage team-building activities, virtual coffee breaks, or online games to keep the atmosphere light and enjoyable—while creating the critical pauses we all need to maintain productivity. Don’t forget to publicly celebrate birthdays, work anniversaries, and individual achievements, too!

• Mute: Use the mute button to emphasize the importance of active listening and active curiosity. When you do, you create space to truly hear your team members. Show genuine interest and foster deeper understanding by asking open-ended questions like, “Can you tell me more about that?” or “What do you think we should do next?” 

• Channel Up/Down: Switch channels to keep your team engaged and avoid monotony. Rotate tasks, introduce new projects, and mix up team dynamics to keep the work interesting and everyone involved.

• Volume Up/Down: Communication is key in remote work. Use the volume buttons to adjust the intensity of your interactions. Turn the volume up during important meetings or when tackling complex projects. Turn it down during routine check-ins or when your team needs focused, quiet work time.

• Guide: Just as the guide button helps you navigate channels, provide your team with clear guidelines, directions and feedback (I call this feed forward!). Regular updates and a shared roadmap keep everyone on the same page and working towards common goals.

By effectively using all the buttons on your remote control, you can navigate the complexities of managing a remote team with empathy and heart-led leadership. This approach ensures clear communication and connection, fosters engagement, and maintains a healthy work-life blend (Psstt…There’s no such thing as balance.)—which we all need, no matter where we work and live in this rapidly changing world!

Here’s to the power of empathy and heart-led leadership,