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⏰ 5 minute read
As a digital-first training organization, we often encounter objections that could rival those of a courtroom drama! Common concerns include, "Online learning isn’t as effective as face-to-face learning," and the frequent, "You can’t build strong connections online." During a recent team brainstorming session, an intriguing analogy came up: "What about dating sites?" This simple question sparked a deeper discussion.
Since the inception of online dating in 1995, these platforms have successfully facilitated meaningful relationships. According to Forbes, nearly 70% of individuals who met someone on a dating app reported that it led to a romantic, exclusive relationship. Now, while online training isn't about creating romantic entanglements (we’re not advocating for that!), it made us wonder: If evidence shows that strong connections can be built online, why is it so commonly believed that team culture and connections can't be fostered virtually? Let’s delve into the facts and explore how you can leverage these strategies to build stronger connections with your virtual team.
Trust
It's true that teams interacting virtually are generally less likely to develop trust. Pinjani and Palvia define trust as the ‘level of confidence exercised among team members.’ Trust is crucial for all aspects of collaboration and significantly affects team performance, acting as the ‘glue’ that holds collaborations together. They found that the lack of body language, subtle voice inflections, and facial expressions can delay workers' decisions to trust a new collaborator and hinder the expression of their own trustworthiness. This supports the idea that the presence of video helps communication, particularly among workers unfamiliar with each other.
So, how can we overcome these challenges and build trust in a virtual environment? The key lies in being intentional about our actions and communications. Here's an actionable strategy to help you foster stronger connections within your virtual team:
Action item: Show Up Authentically in video calls
Keep Your Camera On
Surprise! Turning your camera on helps pick up on facial cues and body language, increasing the sense of connection and trust.
Present Yourself Intentionally
Utilize Shared Tools
Beyond trust: Building Connections in digital-First Organizations
While trust is foundational, several other factors can influence the ability to build strong connections in virtual-first organizations. Here are some suggestions to enhance these connections:
Frequent Communication: Regular check-ins and updates help maintain engagement and ensure everyone feels included. Use a mix of synchronous (video calls) and asynchronous (emails, chat) communication methods.
Social Interactions: Create opportunities for casual interactions, like virtual coffee breaks or team-building activities. These informal settings can help team members bond on a personal level.
Recognition and Feedback: Regularly acknowledge accomplishments and provide constructive feedback. Recognizing efforts and achievements fosters a positive environment and encourages team cohesion.
Clear Expectations and Roles: Ensure everyone understands their responsibilities and the team's goals. Clarity in roles and expectations reduces confusion and enhances collaboration.
Continuous Learning and Development: Offer opportunities for professional growth and development. Encouraging skill enhancement and learning demonstrates investment in your team’s future and strengthens commitment.
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