Working Together, Apart: How to Create a United Team When You Work Remotely

Remote work isn’t just a temporary fix anymore; for many of us, it’s the new normal. And while it offers tons of advantages—like the ability to build a global team—it also comes with its unique challenges. We’ve experienced this firsthand at Wise Humanity, where our team members are spread across the UK, the USA, and Italy.

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So, how do you build a close-knit, collaborative team when you aren't in the same physical space every day? How can you keep the energy alive, bounce around new ideas, or handle conflicts when remote communication can sometimes feel so disconnected?

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Here are some strategies we use that might work for you, too.

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1. Meet in person when you can

Sure, Zoom and Slack are great for getting things done, but there’s something irreplaceable about face-to-face time. You can’t quite recreate the spontaneous hallway chats or the camaraderie of grabbing lunch together online. That’s why we make it a point to meet up in person whenever possible. These get-togethers help build trust and deepen our connections. Our last team meetup was in Boston this July, and we’ve already got another one planned for October!

2. Make time to brainstorm

Remote meetings can easily slip into "checklist mode"—going over tasks and then retreating back to individual work. While that’s efficient, it can make your team lose sight of the bigger picture.

?That’s why we regularly schedule brainstorming and strategy sessions. These open-ended discussions help keep the creative juices flowing and ensure everyone’s aligned. Plus, they’re a great way to remind everyone that we’re in this together, working towards a common goal. And let’s face it—collaborative brainstorming often leads to better, more innovative ideas than doing it alone.?

?3. Daily check-ins keep everyone connected.

Even for the most independent workers, remote work can feel isolating. When you’re working from home all day, it’s easy to lose that sense of connection, and, as a leader, it can be hard to gauge how everyone is really doing.

That’s where daily stand-up calls come in handy. These quick check-ins provide a regular dose of personal contact, help keep everyone on the same page, and give everyone a chance to raise any immediate concerns. Plus, it’s just nice to have a daily touchpoint, even if it’s brief!

?4. Ensure everyone masters the tools

Even in an office, it’s easy for people to feel lost when it comes to learning new tools and systems. This is even more true for remote workers. Sometimes, all it takes is a different learning style, or feeling too shy to ask for help to create frustration, guilt, and self-doubt.

At Wise Humanity, we make sure that every team member is fully comfortable with our tools by testing them together. In fact, every new team member goes through the same onboarding process we offer our clients. Our newest members, Daniel and Elena, are set to take our Foundation course this coming October to make sure they’re fully up to speed.

?5. Have fun together, too!

When we do get the rare chance to meet in person, we make team-building a priority—and we make it fun!? Whether it’s an escape room, kayaking, or another fun activity, we tailor our activities to what the team actually enjoys.

After all, we’ve all experienced those awkward team-building exercises that no one really wants to do. By making these moments enjoyable and meaningful, we’re not just strengthening our professional relationships—we’re creating memories that bond us together.

6. Ditch the blame culture

Blame and shame help no-one. At Wise Humanity, we’ve created a culture where mistakes aren’t something to fear. Instead of pointing fingers, we focus on solving problems together and learning from setbacks. This approach empowers everyone to take creative risks without the fear of being shamed if something goes wrong. When failure is seen as just another step in the learning process, it helps us all move forward together.

?7. Stay connected through shared values.

Even though we’re spread across different time zones and continents, we stay connected through more than just our WiFi. What really unites us is a deep commitment to Wise Humanity’s mission and values. It’s this shared passion and sense of purpose that helps us overcome the challenges of remote work and continue to thrive as a team—no matter where we are.

If this resonates with you, and you would like to change old habits and develop new behaviors,? be a stronger leader, I suggest that you look at our Core Leadership Foundations Course.? This course not only teaches you new concepts and techniques, but we walk by your side and support you, both in the online classes and while you practice the new tools in your life.?

Change is tangible and long-term. ?Check it out here: https://wisehumanity.com/foundation-course/

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Are you ready to experience dramatic transformation as a leader?

1. Are you a team leader or head of a department having challenges with managing global, hybrid teams with diverse cultural backgrounds and multigenerational differences? Book a call with me, Davide Pagnotta, so we can discuss your challenges and come up with a solution together.
2. Would you like to change old habits and develop new behaviors -? be a stronger leader? I suggest that you look at our Core Leadership Foundations Course.? This course not only teaches you new concepts and techniques, but we walk by your side and support you, both in the online classes and while you practice the new tools in your life.? Change is tangible and long-term. ?Check it out here. https://www.wisehumanity.org/foundation
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