Our relationships matter. I think that the pandemic has shown us this truth in full force! We’ve been unable to meet friends and family in the same ways we’re used to — in the same ways we love. Even our relationships we mostly take for granted, that of our team and coworkers, are sorely missed in the age of social distancing and digital workspaces.
Chances are, you’ve spent some, if not all, of your time working from home these past few months. I’ve already covered some of the unique benefits and challenges that accompany this work model, but I feel like we need to talk about relationships.
As a leader, we’re responsible for the functioning, well-being, and potential of our teams. So much of the best your team has to offer comes out when the relationships are working harmoniously. However, as we grow physically distant and more reliant on virtual communications, optimizing these working relationships becomes all the more challenging.
We can easily grow passive, self-reliant, or self-absorbed in these times. We must prevent this both in ourselves and within our team! If you want to optimize team function in a digital age, here are a few places to start:
4 Ways Leaders can Improve Team Relationships
1) Stop multitasking.
We’re used to trying to multitask in our work. The exception is, perhaps, when you’re in a meeting, having a water cooler chat, or are actively discussing something with another team member. The virtual divide has made it that much more tempting to multitask in the middle of conversations. While manners dictate that we give people our full attention when having a conversation, we’ve found that splitting that attention is a big temptation.
Don’t turn off your camera so that you can check your phone. Don’t try to answer emails while also on a conference call. Multitasking doesn’t get more done. If anything, it splits your attention — and the quality — of your work across each extra thing you try to do.
When you’re in a digital meeting, give your team (and expect from them) the courtesy of their full attention and engagement.
2) Be conversational.
As leaders, we must be careful of talking “at” our team more than talking with our team. Being conversational means that you leave room for questions, you prompt responses, and you have a true back-and-forth dialogue. While some situations may call for more of a “presentation,” by and large, you should be soliciting feedback and collaborative effort from your team.
Facilitate conversation between people rather than at one another. This demands real, engaged listening as well as intentional phrasing. Ask more questions, welcome input, and encourage that sense of teamwork among your coworkers.
3) Open up.
It doesn’t have to be all business all the time. In fact, keeping it strictly professional during your virtual meetings and conversations — be they scheduled or casual — can deter others from making a personal investment. Work and life become strictly separate, neither affecting the other, forming no real attachment (or loyalty) to a job or career. That’s exactly what we don’t want. I know for my family’s business, REI Nation, that feeling of family — of mutual support and care for one another — is such a huge part of what makes our business work.
Open up. Leave room for talking about weekend plans, making jokes, and discussing hobbies. Let people into your life, thus encouraging them to let you (and others) into theirs. You don’t have to bare your soul, but the more facets of a coworker others see, the more likely they are to build a meaningful relationship with them.
4) Don’t assume.
In our digital age, where text, chat, email, and virtual gathering abound, it’s more common than ever to get mixed up messages. Misunderstandings are always more likely to happen the more removed we get from visual and nonverbal cues in conversation. Don’t assume a tone or an attitude based on text. Don’t assume someone’s priorities, mood, or intent. Instead, encourage clear, open communication within your team. Be okay with asking questions and looking for clarity. It doesn’t make you look dumb — it makes you look intentional and dedicated.
Have your relationships suffered due to all-virtual communication? Share what you’re doing about it in the comments.