Bringing Out the Best in Remote Teams

​Like many of us, you may be facing the challenge of working remotely or managing a newly virtual team. If so, Vlada Bortnik, Co-founder and CEO of Marco Polo, the popular video messaging app, has some advice based on best practices of her company, which has been operating fully remotely since its establishment in 2012. ​​

---

• Set core collaboration hours—Define a daily stretch of time when team members are expected to maintain connectivity—this creates a scheduling window and establishes a routine. Also, consider beginning each day together with a short team meeting.

• Trust team members to do their part—Aside from core hours, different people work according to different rhythms. As long as the work gets done and is of high quality, trust them.

• Create an ongoing feedback mechanism—Set aside time for a weekly reflection where team members share what’s working and what needs improvement.

• Over-communicate—Everyone should have an open invitation to jump in and add to a conversation, as if working together in an open space.  

• Encourage social bonds--Create forums where team members can share random fun items, from pictures of their kids and kitties to recipes and binge-watch recommendations.

​

• Set boundaries and encourage breaks--Some people think working remotely means working all the time, but health and wellbeing depend on down time. (Tweet it!) True Type A’s may need to set timers to remind them to stretch, walk, or have a glass of water—but whatever works, works! 

What are the key lessons you have already learned from working remotely during this time of social distancing? To join the conversation, click "comments" above.
​
If you would like to learn more about creating a habit around masterful communication, check out our online learning programs.