登录查看更多内容

What do you do if your virtual colleagues are difficult to connect with?

由人工智能和领英社区提供技术支持

In the era of remote work, connecting with virtual colleagues can sometimes be a challenge. Without the ease of face-to-face interaction, you might find it hard to build rapport and communicate effectively with your team. This can impact customer service delivery, as collaboration and understanding within the team are crucial for providing top-notch service. So, what do you do when your virtual colleagues seem distant or unapproachable? Let's explore some strategies to bridge the gap and foster better connections in a digital workspace.

此文章中的业界达人

由社区从 5 条内容中精选。了解更多

Klayton Kopecky

Senior Director | Customer Service Leadership
Newton Joshua

Leader, Software Engineering @ Cisco Webex | Driving Development and Innovation with a team of 20
Lucas Almeida

Consultor de Processos, Qualidade & CX | Excelência Operacional | Gest?o de Projetos | Solu??o de Problemas |…

1 Assess Availability

When you're struggling to connect with virtual colleagues, start by considering their availability. Different time zones, work schedules, and personal commitments can affect when they can engage. Reach out to understand their preferred times for communication. This doesn't just mean knowing their working hours, but also when they are most receptive to collaboration. By aligning your schedules where possible, you can create windows of opportunity for more effective interaction, ensuring that everyone is mentally present and not just squeezing in a conversation between other tasks.

添加您的观点

2 Set Expectations

Clear communication is key in any team, but it becomes even more critical when working virtually. It's important to set expectations for responsiveness and availability. Discuss as a team how quickly you should respond to emails, messages, and requests. Also, agree on the best channels for different types of communication, like using instant messaging for quick questions and email for more detailed discussions. This way, everyone knows what to expect and can plan their work accordingly, reducing frustration and improving collaboration.

添加您的观点

Lucas Almeida

Consultor de Processos, Qualidade & CX | Excelência Operacional | Gest?o de Projetos | Solu??o de Problemas | Planejamento Estratégico | Six Sigma | Lean Manufacturing
(已编辑)
举报内容
I think we do need to set expectations with colleagues we work most of the time as we often need their support and deliveries. Our work depends on theirs. Defining a structure with a 5W2H would really help this process. Structured ways are the best options. We should even classify the impact of missing deadlines, for example. A good way to monitor those interactions is to draw up the process mapping with interactions, including expected inputs and outputs quality, and to define metrics with goals (SLAs among areas usually bring excellent results). But pay attention: It is always necessary to set those expectations with leaders. They must know what is being done, giving their opinions and bringing some critical points to be evaluated.

已翻译

赞

3 Leverage Technology

Utilizing the right technology can make a world of difference in connecting with virtual colleagues. Tools like video conferencing can simulate the nuances of in-person meetings, while project management software can help keep everyone on the same page. Don't shy away from trying out new apps or platforms that could enhance communication within your team. The goal is to find a tech stack that everyone is comfortable with and that supports the kind of collaboration needed to deliver excellent customer service.

添加您的观点

4 Build Relationships

Building personal relationships with your virtual colleagues can help break down barriers. Take the time to engage in non-work-related conversations to get to know them better. For instance, starting a meeting with a few minutes of casual chat about hobbies or interests can create a more relaxed atmosphere. These personal connections can lead to better understanding and empathy among team members, which in turn can improve how you work together to serve customers.

添加您的观点

Klayton Kopecky

Senior Director | Customer Service Leadership
举报内容
Look for reasons to connect that add value to their work. For example is there an update or helpful piece of data or information you can share with them that they may not be aware of? A best practice that may help in a future scenario? This sends a message that you are invested in their success without expecting anything in return.

已翻译

赞
Newton Joshua

Leader, Software Engineering @ Cisco Webex | Driving Development and Innovation with a team of 20
举报内容
Holding in person team gatherings every quarter is important for building relationships and to increase the team bonding. Since many of us work from home these days, we have to think of new ways to stay connected, even online. We use Webex for collaboration. We encourage everyone to turn on their cameras during our scheduled meetings. It is optional for ad-hoc meetings. It's also good to let everyone know what we'll talk about in the meeting beforehand. This way, people who aren't in the office can still be ready to join in the discussion. As the team leader, I make sure to tell my team what we'll talk about before we meet 1:1. I even send them the questions I'll ask ahead of time. This helps us have better talks and work well together.

已翻译

赞

5 Encourage Feedback

Encouraging feedback is essential for improving virtual connections. Create an environment where colleagues feel comfortable sharing their thoughts on what's working and what isn't in terms of remote collaboration. This feedback loop can lead to important insights on how to enhance team dynamics and ensure everyone feels heard and valued. Remember, feedback should be a two-way street; be open to receiving it as well as giving it.

添加您的观点

6 Adapt Strategies

Finally, be prepared to adapt your strategies for connecting with virtual colleagues. What works for one team may not work for another, and what works at one time may need to be adjusted as circumstances change. Stay flexible and willing to try new approaches to communication and collaboration. By being adaptable, you can find better ways to connect with your colleagues, which will ultimately benefit the level of customer service your team provides.

添加您的观点

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

添加您的观点

Sherif Sabry

Customer Service Voice and Expert | B2B Marketing and Sales Professional Manager | Chemicals Import and Export Specialist (MEA)
举报内容
Identify shared interests or goals with your virtual colleagues to establish a more personal connection. You can use this common ground to bond and collaborate effectively. Be Flexible, and understand that different colleagues may have varying communication preferences and styles. Be adaptable in your approach to accommodate these differences and tailor your interactions accordingly. Building connections with virtual colleagues takes time and effort. By being proactive, empathetic, and open to communication, you can overcome the challenges of connecting with your virtual team members.

已翻译

赞
Ludo Raedts

Lead Operational Excellence at Voys
举报内容
Online meetings are effective, but they're more than just business. Why not start with 'How was your weekend?' or chat about unique local weather or cultural events? This is especially interesting with colleagues from different parts of the world. And here's something I've found: a video call beats a chat message any day. Seeing each other's expressions creates a stronger, more personal connection. So next time, try a video call with your colleague instead of a quick chat. It's not just work; it's about building real, human connections.

已翻译

赞

Customer Service

+ 关注

给文章评分

我们借助人工智能创建了此文章。您认为这篇文章怎么样？

很棒不太好

举报此文章

查看全部

What do you do if your virtual colleagues are difficult to connect with?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Availability

2 Set Expectations

3 Leverage Technology

4 Build Relationships

5 Encourage Feedback

6 Adapt Strategies

7 Here’s what else to consider

Customer Service

给文章评分

感谢您的反馈

更多Customer Service相关文章

更多相关阅读内容

What do you do if your virtual colleagues are difficult to connect with?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Availability

2 Set Expectations

3 Leverage Technology

4 Build Relationships

5 Encourage Feedback

6 Adapt Strategies

7 Here’s what else to consider

Customer Service

给文章评分

感谢您的反馈

查看其他技能