How do you tailor team building strategies to remote teams?

1 Virtual Icebreakers

Virtual icebreakers are a great starting point to ease into team building with remote teams. These activities can help break down barriers and encourage informal interaction, which is often missing in remote settings. You could initiate sessions with fun questions or have team members share a personal fact or story. The key is to keep it light and enjoyable, so that your team feels more like a tight-knit community and less like distant colleagues. Remember, the goal is to warm up the conversation and set a friendly tone for future collaboration.

2 Online Games

Engaging your team in online games can be a surprisingly effective method to strengthen bonds. Choose games that require collaboration, strategic thinking, and problem-solving, as these elements mirror the dynamics of working together on projects. These games don't have to be complex; even simple puzzles or trivia challenges can ignite teamwork and provide a shared sense of accomplishment. The emphasis should be on participation and enjoyment rather than competition, to ensure that the experience is positive for all involved.

3 Project Collaborations

Encouraging project collaborations is a practical way to build team synergy. Pair or group team members on projects that play to their strengths and encourage them to work together to achieve common goals. This not only helps in completing work tasks but also allows team members to understand each other's working styles and strengths. It's a hands-on approach to team building that can lead to improved communication and a more cohesive team dynamic.

4 Regular Check-ins

Regular check-ins are vital in a remote setting to ensure that everyone feels connected and valued. These can be scheduled video calls where each team member updates the group on their progress and challenges. It's important that these aren't just rigid status meetings but also provide space for casual conversation and personal sharing. This helps in replicating the watercooler chats that organically occur in an office environment, fostering a sense of belonging and team spirit.

5 Feedback Culture

Creating a culture of feedback within your remote team is crucial for development and cohesion. Encourage open and constructive feedback during meetings, and make sure everyone has the opportunity to voice their opinions and suggestions. This not only helps in improving work processes but also shows team members that their input is valued, which can boost morale and foster a supportive team environment.

6 Tailored Training

Offering tailored training sessions can be an excellent team building strategy for remote teams. These sessions can focus on improving specific skills that are relevant to your team's needs or on general topics like remote work best practices. By learning together, your team can grow not just individually but also as a unit, sharing insights and knowledge that contribute to the team's overall success. It's also an opportunity for team members to interact in a different context from their usual work tasks, which can strengthen relationships.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?