Here's how you can cultivate teamwork and camaraderie among your IT Managers in a virtual setting.

Virtual icebreakers are not just about breaking the ice but also provide a platform to stimulate creative thinking, foster team spirit, and make meetings more enjoyable. They are flexible and can be tailored to the needs and preferences of the team, making them a valuable tool in the modern workplace

Starting meetings with virtual icebreakers can set a positive tone and help team members feel more connected. Activities like “Two Truths and a Lie” or virtual coffee chats can break down barriers and encourage open communication. For example, during a project kickoff, we used a quick icebreaker game where everyone shared something unique about themselves. This simple activity boosted morale and helped team members feel more at ease. Pro Tip: Begin meetings with a fun question or quick game to engage everyone right from the start.

Have what I call 'safe space' check ins to really gauge what is going on in the workplace is essential...in today's age where loyalty and team work is only on a 'what have you done for me lately' basis getting these check-ins off the ground and having them be the 'safe space' is a labor of love and trust building that you may not be as successful as you think you can be but you should not abandon it...as the pay-back once it is running is so great...

Regular “non-project” check-ins are essential. Meet 1:1 to discuss goals, performance, development regularly. And the frequency depends entirely on the person - Also carve out dedicated team building time. During COVID I instituted weekly “virtual water cooler” chats with my team: -NO Agenda -NO work topics -NOT Mandatory -YES Family -YES Pets -YES Hobbies -YES Sports -YES Entertainment -YES Travel I’d often open with music, and decided on a team theme song that I’d play in the “event” and on some team calls when things were bumpy. We kept holding them, with full & willing participation, until last October when I changed roles. And guess what? They still hold them. 8 months later and this rockstar team culture we built lives on.

Regular check-ins are essential for maintaining communication and ensuring everyone is on the same page. Schedule weekly or bi-weekly meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and upcoming tasks. These check-ins provide an opportunity to offer support and gather feedback. I found that holding brief, focused meetings every Monday morning helped our team stay aligned and address any issues promptly. Pro Tip: Use these check-ins to not only discuss work but also to check on team members’ well-being.

Regular check-ins are important for maintaining communication, alignment, and morale within a team, especially in remote or hybrid work environments. However, it’s essential to strike the right balance as conducting check-ins too frequently can be as detrimental as having them too infrequently.

Utilize collaborative tools such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Trello to facilitate communication and project management. These tools help keep everyone connected and organized, even when working remotely. For instance, our team adopted Trello for task management, which improved transparency and accountability. Everyone could see the progress of tasks in real-time, reducing misunderstandings and improving efficiency. Recommended Tool: Trello or Asana for task management and team collaboration.

Organize virtual team events to build camaraderie and strengthen relationships. Activities such as virtual happy hours, game nights, or themed events can provide a fun break from work and allow team members to bond. Our team hosted a virtual trivia night once a month, which not only served as a stress reliever but also fostered a sense of community. Pro Tip: Rotate the responsibility of planning these events among team members to keep things fresh and inclusive.

Implement recognition programs to celebrate achievements and acknowledge hard work. Whether it’s a shout-out in a team meeting or a formal recognition program, showing appreciation can boost morale and motivation. We created a “Star of the Month” program where team members could nominate their peers for exceptional contributions. This initiative greatly improved team spirit and productivity. Pro Tip: Encourage peer-to-peer recognition to foster a culture of appreciation.

Promote continuous learning by providing access to online courses, webinars, and workshops. Encouraging professional development helps team members stay engaged and up-to-date with industry trends. Our team benefited greatly from regular lunch-and-learn sessions where different members would share their expertise on various topics. This not only enhanced skills but also encouraged knowledge sharing. Recommended Reading: "The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of The Learning Organization" by Peter M. Senge, which explores the importance of continuous learning and development.

By integrating these strategies, you can cultivate a strong sense of teamwork and camaraderie among your IT Managers, even in a virtual setting. These practices help build a connected, motivated, and productive team that can thrive in any environment.