What are effective ways to build relationships with remote colleagues?

1 Communicate regularly and clearly

One of the most important factors for building relationships with remote colleagues is communication. You need to communicate frequently and clearly with your team, your manager, and your stakeholders. Use various channels, such as email, phone, video, chat, and collaboration tools, to share updates, feedback, questions, and ideas. Be respectful of different time zones, preferences, and cultures, and avoid jargon, slang, and ambiguity. Also, communicate your expectations, goals, and progress, and ask for the same from others. This way, you can avoid misunderstandings, conflicts, and delays, and foster trust, transparency, and alignment.

2 Show empathy and appreciation

Another key factor for building relationships with remote colleagues is empathy. You need to empathize with the challenges, emotions, and needs of your colleagues, especially during times of change. Change can create uncertainty, stress, and resistance, which can affect your colleagues' performance, motivation, and well-being. Try to understand their perspectives, listen to their concerns, and offer your support and guidance. Also, show appreciation for their efforts, achievements, and contributions. Recognize their strengths, skills, and talents, and celebrate their successes. A simple thank you, compliment, or reward can go a long way in boosting their morale, confidence, and loyalty.

4 Seek feedback and learning opportunities

A fourth factor for building relationships with remote colleagues is feedback. You need to seek feedback and learning opportunities from your colleagues, as well as provide them. Feedback can help you improve your skills, knowledge, and performance, and demonstrate your willingness to learn and grow. You can ask for feedback on your work, your communication, your collaboration, or your change management approach. You can also provide constructive and positive feedback to your colleagues, and acknowledge their feedback to you. Additionally, you can seek learning opportunities from your colleagues, such as mentoring, coaching, or shadowing. This can help you gain new insights, perspectives, or best practices, and show your respect and curiosity for your colleagues' expertise.

5 Initiate and participate in projects and initiatives

A fifth factor for building relationships with remote colleagues is participation. You need to initiate and participate in projects and initiatives that involve your colleagues, and that are relevant to your change management goals. This can help you showcase your skills, creativity, and initiative, and add value to your organization. It can also help you collaborate, cooperate, and coordinate with your colleagues, and build mutual trust, respect, and understanding. You can initiate and participate in projects and initiatives that address a common problem, opportunity, or interest, such as a process improvement, a new product, a customer need, or a social cause. You can also invite and involve your colleagues in your own projects and initiatives, and seek their input, feedback, or support.

6 Be yourself and be authentic

A sixth factor for building relationships with remote colleagues is authenticity. You need to be yourself and be authentic with your colleagues, and encourage them to do the same. This means being honest, open, and respectful, and sharing your thoughts, feelings, and opinions. It also means being consistent, reliable, and accountable, and following through on your promises and commitments. Being yourself and being authentic can help you establish your credibility, integrity, and personality, and attract and retain your colleagues' attention, interest, and respect. It can also help you avoid pretense, manipulation, or deception, and foster a culture of trust, candor, and diversity.