Working successfully in remote collaboration requires trust, rapport, and effective communication. A founder at DistantJob and a bilingual learning and development leader, among others, share their exclusive insights. From the crucial step of hiring the right people to taking digital coffee beaks, discover eight actionable strategies from leaders who are excelling in the remote workplace.
- Hire The Right People
- Implement Transparency Thursdays
- Introduce Themed Video Meetings
- Schedule Weekly Check-Ins
- Make Time for Informal Connections
- Share Friday Wins
- Hold Monthly Unplugged Sessions
- Initiate Digital Coffee Breaks
Hire The Right People
Building trust and rapport with my leadership team, especially in a remote environment, begins with hiring the right people from the start. When you have a team of dedicated, skilled individuals who align with your company’s values, trust naturally follows.
One specific action I’ve taken is to empower my team through effective delegation. I believe in giving my managers full ownership of their projects, allowing them to make critical decisions and manage their teams without micromanagement.
This approach demonstrates my trust in their abilities and fosters a sense of ownership and accountability. It emphasizes the importance of focusing on what our team produces rather than the hours they put in, which is crucial in a remote setting.
By hiring the right people from the beginning and delegating effectively, I show my leadership team that I value their expertise and judgment. This builds mutual respect and strengthens our working relationship, even when we’re not in the same physical location. Regular communication and virtual check-ins keep us aligned, but empowering them to lead and make decisions has been instrumental in building trust and rapport. This strategy not only enhances our team’s cohesion but also drives our organization forward with strong, capable leadership.
Sharon Koifman
Founder and Remote President at Distantjob, DistantJob
Implement Transparency Thursdays
Building trust and rapport with our leadership team, especially in a remote or hybrid setting, is essential for our success. One effective initiative we implemented was the “Transparency Thursdays” program. Every Thursday, we hold an open forum where leadership shares updates, challenges, and insights about the business. This creates a space for honest dialogue and encourages team members to share their thoughts and feedback.
Additionally, we make it a point to celebrate each other’s successes during these sessions, highlighting individual contributions and building a sense of belonging. This initiative has led to a stronger bond among our leadership team, improving collaboration and problem-solving. Since launching Transparency Thursdays, we’ve seen a 39% increase in cross-departmental projects and a noticeable rise in team morale. By prioritizing openness and recognition, we’ve built a culture of trust that drives our company forward.
Chaitsi Ahuja
Founder & CEO, Brown Living
Introduce Themed Video Meetings
To keep our remote interactions engaging, I’ve introduced themed video meetings where leadership team members are encouraged to share a personal story or a recent learning experience related to the theme. This practice not only breaks the ice but also allows us to see more personal sides of each other, strengthening our bonds. It transforms routine meetings into interesting exchanges that everyone looks forward to, enhancing team cohesion and rapport.
I initiated quarterly personal development workshops for the leadership team, focusing on topics beyond traditional business skills, such as emotional intelligence, stress management, and creative thinking. These workshops are not only instrumental in personal growth but also help in nurturing a supportive work culture that values holistic development. This initiative has been key in showing the team that the company invests in their personal as well as professional growth, deepening their trust in the leadership and the organization.
Jason Hennessey
CEO, Hennessey Digital
Schedule Weekly Check-Ins
Building trust remotely at Edumentors required extra effort, so we implemented weekly check-ins to stay connected. These sessions focus on both work progress and personal well-being, fostering open communication.
I also make it a point to schedule one-on-one virtual meetings to understand each team member’s challenges and ensure they feel heard. This personal touch has strengthened relationships, and the trust built through these initiatives has resulted in better collaboration, even across time zones. Regular communication and empathy have been key to maintaining rapport in a hybrid setup.
Tornike Asatiani
CEO, Edumentors
Make Time for Informal Connections
Trust and rapport in a remote or hybrid leadership team can seem like a daunting endeavor. You’re not sitting across from each other, sharing coffee, or having spontaneous conversations. Instead, you are behind desks, poring over emails, project meetings, and phone calls. But it doesn’t have to be complicated.
One of my favorite ways that have been proven effective is making time for connections. Not formal communications or status reports, but actual “check-ins.” You could even try a biweekly “coffee chat.” During these meetings, we share what’s happening in our lives outside of work. Sometimes, we play trivia, and discuss books or shows we’re into. It’s casual, but it fosters a sense of belonging.
That kind of transparency is transformative. It offers space for vulnerability; team members can share issues they’re struggling with at work or on the inside. When people feel safe to share these areas, trust builds naturally.
In addition to these casual meet-ups, I encourage open communication during work hours. If someone feels they need help or clarity, they should feel comfortable reaching out directly.
Ultimately, trust isn’t built in a day. It’s the small, consistent actions that create a foundation. Finding ways to connect, even when miles apart, is the key to effective leadership and a cohesive team.
Alinnette Casiano
Bilingual Learning and Development Leader, Growing Your EQ
Share Friday Wins
One initiative that’s been key to building trust with my leadership team at RecurPost is our “Friday Wins” practice. Every Friday, we share personal and professional wins through brief video updates. Early in the pandemic, I led by example, sharing not just successes but also challenges, like managing work-life balance. This openness set the tone for vulnerability and transparency within the team.
Over time, this habit has strengthened our rapport, creating a space where team members feel comfortable discussing both wins and struggles. It’s helped us stay connected and fostered a sense of shared support, even in a remote setting.
Dinesh Agarwal
Founder, CEO, RecurPost
Hold Monthly Unplugged Sessions
Building trust and rapport, particularly in a remote or hybrid setting, is not about frequent meetings but rather the quality and purpose of those interactions. One initiative that I have found effective in fostering this trust within my leadership team at HyperDog Media is to hold a monthly “Unplugged” session. It’s an open forum where every member is encouraged to share their successes, express their challenges, pitch innovative ideas, or discuss any concerns. This removes the ‘digital’ barriers, ensuring that everyone has a voice and is heard, fostering an environment of trust and inclusiveness.
Secondly, recognizing individual contributions effectively bridges the physical gap brought by remote work. I instituted a practice of highlighting team members’ achievements during our team meetings. This not only acknowledges their hard work but also promotes a sense of team pride and cohesion. Lastly, I am a firm believer in leading by example by maintaining open lines of communication and being transparent about company decisions and strategies. This approach has fostered a strong rapport between me and my leadership team, enabling us to operate cohesively, even in remote settings.
Jim Kreinbrink
CEO, Hyper Dog Media
Initiate Digital Coffee Breaks
In the shift to remote and hybrid work environments, building trust and rapport with my leadership team at Eyeglasses.com became a top priority. I initiated the weekly “Digital Coffee Breaks,” where the conversation wasn’t about the business but focused on personal lives, hobbies, and shared experiences. This casual setting eased communication barriers and fostered a deeper understanding among us.
Another practical initiative I took was “Monthly Forward-Planning.” Each member presented their plans and challenges for the upcoming month, promoting transparency and collective problem-solving. This also encouraged the members to be more invested and accountable, as they knew their roadmap was clear to the entire team.
Finally, leveraging our own Virtual Try-On technology, we hosted a “Glasses Fashion Show” online. This lighthearted activity not only served as a team-bonding exercise but also familiarized everyone with our product range and technology, reinforcing our shared purpose and vision.
Mark Agnew
CEO and Founder, Eyeglasses.com