You’re working remotely in Vendor Relations. How can you stay connected with your team?

1 Use the right tools

The first step to staying connected with your team is to use the right tools for communication and collaboration. Depending on your needs and preferences, you may use different platforms for video calls, instant messaging, email, file sharing, project management, and feedback. Make sure you have access to the tools that your team uses, and that you know how to use them properly. Also, be mindful of the etiquette and expectations of each tool, such as when to mute your microphone, how to share your screen, or how to respond to messages.

2 Set clear expectations

The second step to staying connected with your team is to set clear expectations for yourself and others. Working remotely can create ambiguity and confusion about roles, responsibilities, deadlines, and deliverables. To avoid misunderstandings and conflicts, you need to communicate clearly and frequently with your team about what you are working on, what you need from them, and what they can expect from you. You also need to establish a regular schedule and routine, and inform your team about your availability and preferences for communication.

3 Build relationships

The third step to staying connected with your team is to build relationships beyond work. Working remotely can make you feel isolated and disconnected from your colleagues, who may have different backgrounds, personalities, and interests. To overcome this challenge, you need to make an effort to get to know your team members on a personal level, and to share your own stories, hobbies, and passions. You can do this by creating opportunities for informal and social interactions, such as virtual coffee breaks, happy hours, games, or quizzes.

4 Give and receive feedback

The fourth step to staying connected with your team is to give and receive feedback regularly. Working remotely can limit your visibility and recognition, as well as your ability to learn and improve. To overcome this challenge, you need to seek and provide constructive and timely feedback to your team members, and to acknowledge and appreciate their contributions and achievements. You can do this by using various tools and methods, such as surveys, polls, reviews, ratings, or shout-outs.

5 Celebrate successes

The fifth step to staying connected with your team is to celebrate successes together. Working remotely can reduce your sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, as well as your motivation and morale. To overcome this challenge, you need to recognize and reward your team members for their hard work and results, and to share your own successes and challenges. You can do this by creating occasions for celebration and recognition, such as virtual parties, awards, certificates, or gifts.

6 Embrace diversity

The sixth and final step to staying connected with your team is to embrace diversity and inclusion. Working remotely can expose you to different cultures, perspectives, and values, which can enrich your experience and learning, but also create challenges and conflicts. To overcome this challenge, you need to respect and appreciate your team members for their uniqueness and diversity, and to support and include them in your decisions and actions. You can do this by being open-minded, curious, and empathetic, and by avoiding stereotypes, biases, and assumptions.

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?