While it might be true that in some cases absence makes the heart grow fonder, this is not necessarily so in the workplace.
Fortunately, modern technology and a little bit of extra effort and creativity can help overcome the difficulties of building relationships between team members and colleagues.
Source: Image: Bingmanson / Flickr
Out of sight, out of mind..?
As someone who has worked and lived in several countries, I am used to working with people from different cultural backgrounds who speak different languages.
However in my current position I have the additional challenge of managing a team which is split between two countries: half of my team are at our Head Office in Switzerland, the other half work in the French office.
Making sure you’re present even during your absence
I travel between the two offices, meaning that there's always one group that I am not with. Thankfully in today’s world there are tools that make it easier to have contact, but even so we shouldn’t underestimate the effort needed to build and maintain long distance relationships.
Use technology socially to bridge the gap
- Say good morning! Just like you would when you get into the office, remember to say 'good morning' via Skype. Your team members might not always think of it, so as Manager, it’s up to you to establish first contact.
- Show an interest. Try to have at least one video call per day with each individual team member. Seeing each other’s faces, even if it's on a computer screen, is more personal than sending emails or even calling by phone. It also gives you the time to find out how their weekend was!
- Launch a group conversation. We sometimes engage in hilarious group conversations which may be a 'waste of time' but which allow us to all communicate as a group, and to have a good laugh altogether.
- Have (virtual) team meetings. This is not an easy one, because of technical challenges, but at least do give it a try, at least a couple of times a year.
A bit of extra effort goes a long way
- Try and make sure that you get your whole team together at least 1-2 times a year, especially if you have all worked together on big projects.
- Ensure a lunch budget! If you’re as lucky as I am, your boss will believe in the power of a good meal and a relaxed chat to allow everyone to bond. Do it every time you’re all together – your team will be the stronger for it.
As a wise colleague once told me: 'don’t manage by email'. This is extremely difficult NOT to do, and I confess to sometimes giving in to the temptation for purely practical reasons, but in general it’s not a good idea. Instead, pick up your phone (or your video phone) and talk.
Knowing your team over time
- Make sure you pick the right team members. Not everyone can work with others from a distance (especially in a service department) so make sure that the people you pick have got the necessary relationship skills.
- Take time to greet people personally when you travel between offices. Talk to them, find out how they are. Remember that it’s easy for them to forget you, so building a relationship is key to future success.
- Lastly, never assume that your non-travelling colleagues understand your challenge of sharing your time between two offices. It’s up to you to make the effort, to fit in and to build the relationship. It’s worth it!
Thanks to Ronnie Lassiaille for sharing her opinions and advice in this blog post. Ronnie is Head of Web and Data Services at the European Society for Medical Oncology. Her team is responsible for several websites, e-communications, social media, mobile apps and web marketing. They also manage the Society's association management platform and central database (accounts, membership, congress registration). She lives in the South of France. You can connect via Twitter or LinkedIn. Her article first appeared on the Web Managers Group Blog.
