How to Establish Trust and Connection With Coworkers in a Remote Team

Get Proactive to Establish Trust and Connection with Your Remote Coworkers

I keep hearing from employees who joined their company or started with a new team during the pandemic. Many of these workers remain part of a remote team and have NEVER been in the SAME ROOM with their manager or co-workers.

The common concern is that it’s been harder to build trust and connection. Sometimes it’s hard to have difficult conversations in the remote team because “everyone else seems just fine.” It’s tricky to read the virtual room and gauge interest, concern, and motivation when everyone is a square on the screen (or their cameras are switched off!). Workers might be less likely to bring up their questions or address communication concerns.

Today I share some quick tips on how to jump-start this conversation with your peers, build connections one person at a time, and share your I.D.E.A.s for better communication and better results. I observe that connected and engaged teams will ask questions to innovate and address concerns to improve outcomes.

Quick Tips to Jumpstart Conversation in a Remote Team

Resources for Compassionate Conversations

I also want to share with you some tools for compassionate conversation starters. These work great in virtual one-on-ones or to open remote team meetings. Here’s just a few, and you can also download the PDF with even more ideas and details…

• Some of the people most important in my life are __________
• Who on this team was particularly helpful to you this year? Why?
• Some of the people most important in my life are __________

Or after a tough year, ask

• As you reflect on the turbulence of this past year, what makes you proud?

Read this article about the proven connection between employee connection and trust at work and engagement which can really be lacking in a remote team. You’ll glean additional tips about asking for what you need without appearing needy.

What would you add? What is one of your best practices for nurturing trust and connection in remote teams? Or, for onboarding new team members to a team that doesn’t have an opportunity to meet in person?

Ready to rally YOUR team for breakthrough results with Let’s Grow Leaders?