Working remotely can be challenging for teams that need to collaborate and coordinate effectively. How can you keep your team engaged, motivated, and productive online? In this article, we will explore some creative and fun ways to use collaboration and coordination tools and platforms to enhance your team building efforts.
The first step to successful online team building is to choose the right tools and platforms for your team's needs and preferences. There are many options available, from video conferencing and chat apps to project management and brainstorming tools. Some of the factors to consider when selecting the tools are: ease of use, accessibility, security, cost, and compatibility. You want to make sure that your team can communicate, share, and work together smoothly and securely, without wasting time or money on unnecessary or complicated features.
I think using instant messaging such as that in Teams saves needless emails and makes people feel they are forming a bond and are supported. I like to use tools such as Polls Everywhere, Mentimeter and Kahoot. I would also recommend a simple Powerpoint with a fact about each person and guess whom it belongs to, which is a great way to learn more about each other. Another thing you can do is model some games on the quiz programmes on TV but make the questions all about work to ensure important information is being absorbed.
To ensure optimal productivity, it is essential to use the most effective tool for the majority when collaborating. Zoom, Webex, and Microsoft Teams are just a few examples of the amazing tools available. Additionally, tools such as a mural board can be utilized for collaborative work. However, it is crucial to ensure that everyone involved has access or a license to use the chosen tool.
The second step to effective online team building is to set clear expectations and goals for your team and each individual. This will help you to align your team's vision, values, and objectives, and to monitor and measure your team's progress and performance. You can use tools like SMART goals, OKRs, or KPIs to define and track your team's outcomes and outputs. You can also use tools like surveys, feedback forms, or polls to gather your team's input and opinions on various aspects of your team's work and culture.
The third step to engaging your team online is to create a sense of community and belonging among your team members. This will help you to foster trust, rapport, and camaraderie, and to reduce the feelings of isolation, loneliness, or disconnection that some remote workers may experience. You can use tools like Slack, Teams, or Discord to create channels or groups for your team to chat, share, and socialize. You can also use tools like Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet to host regular virtual meetings, check-ins, or hangouts, where your team can see and hear each other, and have some fun and informal conversations.
I used to feel pretty disconnected from the remote team I have been working with for over a couple of years. They used to make decisions in silos and didn't even though of informing me. The only way for me was to detect what changed and then question, which was really frustrating. One day I accidentally commented on the unpredictable weather they had over there, and from that day onwards, we started spending a couple of minutes each day talking about general stuff like weather, pets and future travel plans etc. To my surprise, we slowly but surely built a connection where I was able to share my frustration with them and Voila! we now have a connection that allows us to openly exchange all sorts of information.
The fourth step to fun online team building is to encourage collaboration and creativity among your team members. This will help you to stimulate your team's innovation, problem-solving, and learning, and to leverage your team's diverse skills, perspectives, and experiences. You can use tools like Miro, Mural, or Jamboard to facilitate online brainstorming, ideation, or prototyping sessions, where your team can generate, visualize, and refine ideas together. You can also use tools like Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides to enable your team to co-create, edit, and present documents, spreadsheets, or presentations collaboratively.
At the end of the day, what tools you use don't matter as much as how you use those. So, always try to build a human connection with the person you are communicating with. Empathise with them, learn from them, show genuine interest in what motivates them and what shuns them. The problem with online collaboration is that the line is sometimes blurred between what is a tool and who is an actual human being. So, making sure that you always over-communicate when speaking to a human being goes a long way in building meaningful connections, which fosters creativity and collaboration.
The fifth step to rewarding online team building is to celebrate achievements and milestones with your team. This will help you to recognize your team's efforts, accomplishments, and contributions, and to boost your team's morale, motivation, and loyalty. You can use tools like Kudos, Bonusly, or Lattice to send your team members personalized messages, badges, or points to appreciate their work and values. You can also use tools like Kahoot, Quizizz, or Trivia to organize online quizzes, games, or contests, where your team can test their knowledge, skills, or trivia, and have some friendly competition and fun.
The sixth and final step to healthy online team building is to promote wellness and balance among your team members. This will help you to support your team's physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and to prevent or reduce stress, burnout, or fatigue. You can use tools like Headspace, Calm, or Insight Timer to offer your team access to online meditation, mindfulness, or relaxation programs, where your team can practice some self-care and coping skills. You can also use tools like Strava, Fitbit, or Nike Run Club to encourage your team to stay active, fit, and healthy, and to share their fitness goals, progress, or challenges.
I always tell my employees that their job comes as roughly the 5th priority in their life. First, is self. Without you, what else can you do? Mental, physical, social, and every other kind of health that you can attribute to yourself is important. Second, family (or friends that sometimes count as family). Third, religion/core beliefs. Fourth, hobbies and things that make you happy. Without any of these things, you’re not going to be happy. Without your job, you’ll be fine. You can get a new one. But these other priorities can’t be replaced. Don’t let your job get in the way of your happiness!