Remote working and hybrid work models have been a focus for a while now. Despite the ongoing
efforts to improve communication in this new paradigm, especially since the pandemic,
organisations still struggle to find the magic formula. How can we create meaningful connections?
How can we replicate the randomness and natural feel of water cooler chats? How can we enhance
onboarding? How can we make people feel like part of the group? How can we improve workplace wellbeing?
Connecting better in a remote world
People have come up with various ideas, from Monday kickoff sessions like at Asana, where key
projects are reviewed, priorities aligned, and successes celebrated, to "pair calls" like at Buffer,
where employees are randomly paired to chat for 30 minutes. There are even more obscure ones,
like the ‘Pet Parade’ at Trupanion, where employees show off their pets and share fun stories (mind
you it actually makes sense for a pet insurance company). There are plenty of great ideas out there,
easily found for those who seek some inspiration through a quick Google search or by asking
ChatGPT.
But is that it? Can real, deep, meaningful connections be created through these tricks?
In my line of work, I also use various ‘tricks’. I have exercises that help clients explore their values
and purpose. I use personality typology tests, surveys, and 360 assessments. I have numerous methodologies and frameworks at my disposal, and they yield interesting results. But the one tool or
‘trick’ that brings the best results is… conversation.
It's about being present with the other person, being curious, asking questions from that space, and taking risks by posing challenging questions or observations. As Irvin D. Yalom wrote in his book
The Gift of Therapy, “It's the relationship that heals—not the technical skill of the therapist.”
Aha moment
Let me illustrate with a personal example. My brother has lived in Canada for over 30 years. We rarely see each other, maybe once every 10 years, so our communication is mostly via video
or phone calls. We often choose phone calls for their convenience—I can grab my phone and go for a long walk instead of being tied to a screen. Though we don’t talk often, when we do, we talk for hours, and it feels so honest, natural, and meaningful. During one of these calls in the midst of the pandemic, when remote working was at the peak of people’s interest, I realised—it’s not about the medium we use to communicate; it’s about the connection, the honest, pure, curious exchange
between people.
So, to add to Dr. Yalom's point—it’s not the technicality of skills, ingenuity of ‘tricks’ or the
medium; it’s the relationship, honesty, and depth of the message that creates a meaningful
connection.
I want to thank Camille John for emphasising the importance of simply talking to people, during the
panel discussion last Wednesday at the Soho House's HOW (NOT) TO DIE ON THE JOB. He
highlighted that in remote working, the key is to keep communicating with each other using
whatever media is at hand, even if it sometimes feels a bit unnatural. It will become more natural
the more we do it.
And thank you, Kerrie Finch, Sophie van der Schaft, and Neil Schambra Stevens, for openly
discussing the necessity of connecting with others to maintain a healthy work environment.
So keep on talking. Keep on being curious. Medium is secondary.
#RemoteWork #HybridWork #WorkFromHome #TeamCommunication #WorkplaceWellbeing #MeaningfulConnections #EmployeeEngagement #VirtualTeams #RemoteTeamBuilding
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