Technology can be a powerful tool to enhance team building, especially in the remote work era. However, it can also pose some challenges, such as communication barriers, lack of trust, and reduced social interaction. In this article, you will learn how to use technology to overcome these challenges and foster a positive and collaborative team culture.
The first step to use technology for team building is to choose the right tools for your team's needs and preferences. There are many options available, such as video conferencing, instant messaging, project management, collaboration, and gamification platforms. You should consider factors such as ease of use, security, cost, and compatibility when selecting the tools. You should also involve your team members in the decision-making process and provide them with adequate training and support.
Tools like Miro, Mural, Figma and Microsoft Whiteboard are essential to any team building event in a hybrid world. The power of an infinite and inviting canvas is unmatched. It allows team members to contribute without constraints. That’s where the best, otherwise undisclosed and undiscovered ideas often come from. Platforms to surface these are best chosen based on where people work. Make it easy to access by surfacing in via Microsoft Teams, where 300 million monthly active users work securely. Don’t make people find another login and password to team build. That’s a barrier, and a blocker to collaboration. We must do better if we expect teams to produce more with less. Inclusive tools and platforms matter more than ever.
The second step to use technology for team building is to communicate effectively with your team members. Technology can facilitate communication, but it can also create misunderstandings, confusion, and frustration if not used properly. You should follow some best practices, such as setting clear expectations, using multiple channels, providing feedback, and avoiding jargon and sarcasm. You should also encourage your team members to communicate openly, respectfully, and frequently.
The third step to use technology for team building is to build trust among your team members. Trust is essential for collaboration, performance, and satisfaction, but it can be harder to establish and maintain in a virtual environment. You should use technology to create opportunities for your team members to get to know each other, share their opinions and experiences, and show their personality and emotions. You should also use technology to demonstrate your reliability, competence, and integrity as a leader.
The fourth step to use technology for team building is to encourage social interaction among your team members. Social interaction can enhance team cohesion, morale, and engagement, but it can be limited by physical distance and time zones. You should use technology to create spaces for your team members to socialize informally, such as virtual coffee breaks, happy hours, or trivia games. You should also use technology to celebrate achievements, milestones, and special occasions.
The fifth step to use technology for team building is to promote learning and development among your team members. Learning and development can improve team skills, knowledge, and creativity, but it can be challenging to access and deliver in a remote setting. You should use technology to provide your team members with access to online courses, webinars, podcasts, and other resources. You should also use technology to facilitate peer-to-peer learning, mentoring, and coaching.
The sixth step to use technology for team building is to evaluate and improve your team's performance and satisfaction. Technology can help you collect and analyze data , such as feedback, surveys, metrics, and analytics. You should use technology to monitor your team's progress, challenges, and achievements. You should also use technology to solicit and act on your team's suggestions, complaints, and compliments.
A platform like Connecteam or similar allows your team to update you along the day in every department. Forms are filled out by the user and have the power to create spreadsheets or analytics for management. It bridges the gap from office vs field. Our team utilizes these data driven platforms to make us efficient and to give everyone a voice!
I have personal projects day. They have to build the team's. I give the criteria for success of their project and guidance when it becomes necessary on what is expected within the team's. And, at the end bonuses and awards go to the team members within the best teams.