What are the best ways to build team cohesion across different schedules and time zones?

Team cohesion across time zones (as well as languages and cultures) may appear like it should be easy. And, yes, conceptually, it surely is. Putting it into practice is where it begins to fray. Therefore, start with the following simpler techniques: 1. Evenly spread the "burden" of non-standard hours. 2. Focus on empathy for non-native speakers (with respect to the primary language). 3. Learn cultural nuances to better interpret body language (if video is involved), phrases, etc. 4. Don't compel video (someone taking a late night call may not want to be seen on video). 5. Set and practice crisp agendas. 6. Focus on outcomes: what, who, by when; and empower people to work out the "how". These have been super helpful for me.

La clave está en encontrar formas de integrar las partes para formar un todo significativo, como: Mantener una escucha y una comunicación abierta y sin juicio, permitiendo que todos se sientan parte del progreso, la segunda sería mantener un propósito y unas metas claras en la que todos se sientan parte del proceso, la tercera reuniones inclusivas rotando los horarios para que todos se puedan integrar, la cuarta espacios de socialización y compartir y la quinta un apoyo individualizado.

Building team cohesion across schedules and time zones necessitates a comprehensive strategy. Effective communication is essential. Establish explicit communication routes, use asynchronous tools, and set response time expectations. Regular virtual meetings should be organized to accommodate different time zones, with recordings available for those who are unable to attend. Collaboration tools such as Slack and project management platforms promote teamwork. Flexibility is essential, allowing for different work hours and open discussion of preferences. Time management training enables team members to successfully manage their calendars, while developing trust and accountability enhances the team's basis.

Building team cohesion across different schedules and time zones can be challenging, but with intentional strategies and effective communication, it's certainly achievable. Establish overlapping working hours when all team members, regardless of time zone, are expected to be available for meetings or discussions. This helps create a sense of real-time collaboration. Where possible, allow team members to have some flexibility in their work hours. This can help them accommodate their personal schedules while ensuring alignment with team goals.

Without trust, a group of people who [have to] work together will never become a team. When they trust each other, they can engage in healthy conflict in pursuit of the best way forward. When everyone feels heard, they can all commit to, and get behind, the leader's decisions.

Employees are generally very adept at communicating when provided adequate tools and latitude to do so. So, take some time to identify what those technology tools are and how they are best used. Also, do not neglect the organizational component of communication: support the engagement of employees while recognizing different communication styles and preferences.

As Project Manager, I prioritize effective communication within our diverse, globally dispersed team. Our tailored communication plan spans various channels, accommodating email, chat, video calls, and shared documents. Considering individual time zones and preferences, it outlines response expectations and meeting details for a cohesive workflow. This personalized approach, coupled with norms emphasizing respect and prompt acknowledgment, reflects our commitment to a positive and efficient team dynamic.

1) Rotate meeting schedules across the time zones (i.e. 7:00am; 12:00pm; 7:00pm) for people of all time zones to feel included and engaged. 2) Rotate meeting leaders across geographies and ask the meeting leader to share insights from their geography (i.e. customs, norms, language) so the entire group understands new perspectives.

Just because a team works remotely doesn't mean they shouldn't communicate. Scheduling regular teleconferencing meetings with your team members is necessary for sustaining group cohesion, and outside of those meetings, it's good to have a group chat where teammates can post short messages, send files, or share links. Google Workspace comes out with the box with these features, but there are other options out there.

A communication plan is good if it defines (1) what needs to be communicated, (2) by when, (3) by who, and (4) in what format + frequency. The above will derive based on the project at hand; whether the team is co-located or virtual; leverageable technology; etc. One rule that has stood the test of time for me in ALL types of circumstances is that "More communication is always better than less". Therefore, tie the communication plan to the project plan, the team members and their interdependencies with respect to project hand offs. Then make sure that the communication plan and its execution are never what's delaying progress.

I guess one important aspect, a decisive one from my point of view, is to see each other physically on a regular basis. These kind of interactions never should and never can be substitued.

A wise person once told me that if you want to extend professional connections outside the workplace (ie. friendships), you MUST dedicate time to connections outside of the workplace. If a goal for your organization is to enhance workplace friendships, consider scheduling non-work activities with employees to foster greater connections DURING WORK HOURS. (Few things are more despicable than asking employees to commit their precious personal time to work activities.) Some examples? How about volunteering together? Or, attend a sporting event together? Group hike? Again...during work hours.

The hardest part of remote work is fostering the necessary social connection between team members. The first thing to do is establish healthy ground rules and expectations via a charter, but even more importantly, team members need opportunities to bond with one another. For example, as part of a weekly meeting, you can ask team members to share something about themselves, such as a hobby, personal ambition, or anything else they're passionate about. Outside of that, more and more people enjoy gaming, and playing fun, accessible multiplayer games online is another excellent team-building and bonding exercise.

We should understand the importance of more than just work in building a cohesive team. It's about creating an environment where team members feel comfortable, supported, and valued by one another. To foster social connections, I actively encourage informal and personal communication, whether it's sharing hobbies, interests, or personal stories. Virtual team building activities like icebreakers, games, and challenges are also part of our strategy. Celebrating achievements, milestones, birthdays, and anniversaries, along with recognizing and appreciating each other's contributions and strengths, helps strengthen the bonds between team members, making our collaboration more meaningful and enjoyable.

In order to foster an atmosphere of social connection,one has to get the different members to start sharing a bit about themselves through hobbies ,likes ,dislikes and then create a sense of where they can share about these and build a rapport slowly. Almost like a student communal area where they hang out ,chill and bond when away from home. This fosters trust and respect within the team.

Consider Tuckman's stages to understand in which stage your team is in and use that to create a plan to build team cohesion. Facilitate small virtual sessions for social connection. Remove unnecessary meetings and let the team coordinate the informal meetings among themselves.

Professional cross-training (no, not the physical fitness kind) is an underutilized technique. Don't be selfish with skills and knowledge! You might find that the more employees share their professional skills, the more appreciation that will be realized. And as a bonus, when you have a cross-trained workforce, greater collaboration and continuity can be achieved.

The first thing you want to set up for a remote team is some cloud storage via Microsoft's OneDrive or Google Drive. This drive will function as a home base for your team's materials, enabling them to work and share resources regardless of distance. You can also collaborate simultaneously on documents, slide decks, and other kinds of files through Google Workspace and use Miro for collaborative process mapping and data visualization.

In decision-making, problem-solving, and brainstorming processes, I leverage tools such as surveys, polls, and mind maps to involve every team member. Establishing shared spaces like wikis, blogs, or forums facilitates knowledge sharing and constructive feedback. Cross-training, mentoring, and coaching opportunities are provided through tools like peer reviews, shadowing, and webinars. To fuel curiosity, experimentation, and innovation, we engage in activities like hackathons, sprints, and prototypes. These strategies cultivate a connected and collaborative team, breaking down the constraints of distance and time zones, and ensuring our collective alignment and success.

Un aspecto clave a mi juicio para generar colaboración y aprendizaje, es idear jornadas de autoformación, donde algún miembro del equipo capacite al resto en los contenidos que domina, y que puedan ser de utilidad y potenciar el desempe?o individual y colectivo.

Another important aspect of creating cohesion, and memorable experiences together is perhaps building deeper wellness initiatives within the team; such as mindfulness sessions, virtual fitness sessions or sharing tips for maintaining well-being. These activities not only supports the individual on the team but it also provides a common ground for the team members to connect outside of work-related discussions. Just another beautiful way for us to respect and foster the human experience.

Allow the fun! Find ways to let people "let loose" and have a good time together. The most important tool for all three of the virtual teams on which I've had the honor to have been a member... the shared chat space. It ran 24/7 and we were permitted to play, laugh, joke, and just be ourselves. Of course we were "professional," noting that we were "at work" and that things needed to be within a set of clear boundaries, but for the most part, we were free to enjoy ourselves and to connect in ways beyond the work we were assigned to do. We created a culture that was inviting, accepting, and professional. We encouraged, monitored, honored, and demonstrated empathy and through that - we bonded and became not only a team, but also friends.

Ich finde, dass eine Strategie und die Unterstützung von den oberen Führungsebenen sehr wichtig ist. Wenn ein Team durch eine sehr hohe Führungskraft Wertsch?tzung erf?hrt, ist das auch noch einmal eine gro?e Motivation für das ganze Team. Und Erfolge sollten gemeinsam gefeiert werden!

Having a plan for avoiding or addressing conflicts as they arise is important. For example, creating ground rules that ensure respect, such as outlawing flaming and other inappropriate messages. Team leaders should also address conflict as it arises, and help repair relationships that have been affected. I have worked on virtual teams that have successfully done this by incorporating richer channels, such as video conferencing, in addition to written communication. Something as simple as hearing the tones of our voices and seeing body language has helped us understand each other better, have compassion during stressful times, and encourage each other. This helped us manage and avoid much conflict.

It's crucial to nurture a culture of open communication and adaptability within the team. Encouraging members to share their experiences, challenges, and ideas fosters a sense of inclusivity and innovation. Recognizing and celebrating diverse perspectives contributes to a richer team dynamic. Flexibility in workflows and processes accommodates individual working styles and unexpected changes. Moreover, periodic team reflections allow us to learn from both successes and setbacks, fostering continuous improvement. As the Project Manager, fostering a holistic approach that values individual contributions, embraces change, and promotes shared learning enhances the team's overall resilience and effectiveness.