You’re working remotely with a team you’ve never met. How can you build strong relationships?

1 Set clear expectations

One of the first things you should do as a project leader is to set clear expectations for your team. This includes defining the project scope, goals, roles, responsibilities, deliverables, deadlines, and quality standards. You should also communicate how you will monitor and evaluate the team’s progress, performance, and feedback. By setting clear expectations, you can avoid confusion, misunderstanding, and conflict among your team members, and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

2 Communicate regularly and effectively

Another key aspect of building strong relationships is to communicate regularly and effectively with your team. You should use a variety of tools and channels, such as email, phone, video conferencing, instant messaging, and project management software, to keep your team updated, informed, and engaged. You should also encourage your team to communicate openly and honestly with you and each other, and to share their ideas, opinions, challenges, and successes. By communicating regularly and effectively, you can create a sense of connection, transparency, and collaboration among your team members.

3 Build rapport and trust

Building rapport and trust with your team is essential for creating a positive and productive work environment. You can do this by showing genuine interest in your team members, learning about their backgrounds, interests, strengths, and preferences, and acknowledging their contributions and achievements. You can also create opportunities for your team to interact and socialize with each other, such as virtual coffee breaks, icebreakers, games, and celebrations. By building rapport and trust, you can foster a sense of belonging, respect, and appreciation among your team members.

4 Provide support and feedback

As a project leader, you should also provide support and feedback to your team. You should be available and accessible to your team, and offer them guidance, coaching, and resources when they need them. You should also give them constructive and timely feedback on their work, and recognize their efforts and accomplishments. You should also solicit feedback from your team on your own performance, and how you can improve as a leader. By providing support and feedback, you can enhance your team’s skills, confidence, and motivation.

5 Empower and involve your team

Finally, you should empower and involve your team in the project. You should delegate tasks and responsibilities to your team members according to their skills, interests, and potential, and give them autonomy and flexibility to complete them. You should also involve your team in decision making and problem solving, and encourage them to voice their concerns and suggestions. By empowering and involving your team, you can increase their ownership, engagement, and satisfaction with the project.