Q My team is scattered, with people in offices across the country working on fast-paced projects. We don't have the resources to get together in person regularly, so what can I do to help people feel connected?
A Team spirit depends on successful relationships, which you can foster through regular interaction, even across the country.
The inner game
Start by developing your own vision for a successful team. It'll certainly include your ability to get your work done and meet your clients' needs, but also think about how you all feel about each other. On a good team, everyone knows that their teammates will cover their backs. Consider the unique pressures you face on your team, and know what mutual support you'd like to see. Thriving teams also have a sense of fun; consider how that might fit for you.
Now, evaluate your current team status. Do your own assessment on how well the team is doing on productivity, support and satisfaction. Find out how your team members feel, too. Disconnects related to your current team cohesiveness will give you useful information on how to move toward your goal.
The outer game
It's all about communication, but there are many ways to make this happen. Some will be task-oriented and businesslike; others may be more playful.
Teams like yours tend to have a lot of change in work loads, project assignments, and mutual dependencies. Regular check-in meetings for the team as a whole can set a solid foundation for keeping the team on track. Even if some members call in, it can address the need to keep the work moving successfully. These meetings may take only 15 minutes or so, while each person runs through their assignments and lines up the assistance they need from co-workers. Frequency will depend on your needs, but they may be as often as daily and as seldom and once or twice a week.
Moving away from the tactical, make a point of having staff meetings that share information at a higher level, giving team members a chance to present work or new ideas to their peers, discuss corporate strategies, or focus on team vision. Consider holding these meetings monthly for an hour or so, again using teleconferences or videoconferences to include the remote members.
To build rapport and relationship, get off e-mail and get on the phone together. Perhaps you could set up a small team website where folks could share work information, along with pictures and build personal connections. Push it even more into the fun zone with shared interests. People who are in the same locations can plan some shared events. However, this can work virtually, too. If you have sports fans, try a fantasy league. If people like to cook, do a virtual potluck by sharing recipes. Try book groups on different topics, or even a bowling league where people participate in their own location but compete on scores. Don't take this on yourself; make it a shared expectation that people will help create a shared team culture.
The last word
Use the tools at your disposal to build a sense of community.
What challenges do you face at work? Send your questions to Liz Reyer, a credentialed coach and president of Reyer Coaching & Consulting in Eagan. She can be reached at liz@deliverchange.com or 651-398-4765. Questions also can be submitted at www.deliverchange.com/coachscorner.