Building Relationships While Working Remotely
Back in university I was in a long distance relationship. It wasn’t easy, we both studied long hours, had difficult workloads making it hard to schedule phones calls or write emails. Getting together was inconvenient since neither of us had vehicles, the three hour car ride took more like 8 hours when transferring between trains, subways, and buses. What kept it alive (I’m about to date myself) was we were dating at a time when instant messenger was evolving. ICQ, and Hotmail messenger were just taking the market, giving us an opportunity to keep our conversations going throughout the day while carrying on our daily lives. We developed a routine, connecting on a regular basis, and growing our relationship remotely.
In a world where remote work has become the norm, the challenge of building meaningful workplace relationships has never been more relevant. Many assume that physical proximity is the cornerstone of deep connections. However, even in a remote setting, it’s possible to cultivate strong bonds with colleagues.
“Connection is not about distance; it’s about intention and effort.”
Here’s how leaders can foster those connections, based on six core principles:
1. Serve Others
The foundation of strong professional relationship lies in selflessness. Make it a priority to support the success and happiness of your team. Ask questions like, “What can I do to make your job easier?” and genuinely listen. This approach fosters trust and mutual respect.
2. Be Authentic
Authenticity is critical in building connections. Allow your personality to shine through, whether in video calls or written communication. Strike a balance by sharing appropriate personal details—like a recent achievement or a funny anecdote—while maintaining professionalism.
3. Be Personable
Show you care about them as an individual. Learn their name, name of their family, and take an interest in their hobbies. If they tell you about an upcoming event, follow up to see how it went. If you haven’t already, pick up the book “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie in it he says “Remember that a person’s name is, to that person, the sweetest sound in any language”. Soften your language, and express friendliness in tone and intent. Never start your conversation with a request, greet them, ask about their weekend instead of jumping straight to your need.
4. Deliver On Promises
Your reputation in a remote environment hinges on your ability to deliver on promises. Go the extra mile by consistently meeting or exceeding deadlines and aligning your work with clear expectations. Reliability builds trust, which is essential for lasting connections.
5. Embrace Diverse Communication Channels
Varying communication methods helps replicate the richness of in-person interaction. Use email for detailed updates, video calls for emotional discussions, and instant messaging for quick clarifications. Introducing variety keeps interactions engaging and productive.
6. Have Fun
Break the monotony of work by creating opportunities for fun and social interaction. Virtual lunch breaks, team games, or even sharing pictures of pets during meetings can go a long way in humanizing colleagues and strengthening bonds.
