FORBES, FEATURED
This article was originally published on Forbes.com on November 26, 2024
As many companies are recommending—or mandating—a return to the office, many other companies have found continued success operating in a remote environment. One argument used by leaders who prefer a physical office space is that teams can't collaborate, especially creatively, when working remotely—but that's not necessarily true.
On a recent Expert Panel, Forbes Communications Council asked about tips that can help any distributed team collaborate more effectively. My thoughts point to starting from a place of trust.
OUR TAKE:
3. Start From A Place Of Trust
Pursuit PR has worked remotely since our founding seven years ago, before the pandemic. This type of collaboration works best when the teamwork is based on trust. Our shared values of authenticity, accountability and integrity influence our remote collaboration. Starting from a place of trust opens up conversations on personal and professional needs and fosters an environment for high performance.
FULL ARTICLE:
As many companies are recommending—or mandating—a return to the office, many other companies have found continued success operating in a remote environment. One argument used by leaders who prefer a physical office space is that teams can't collaborate, especially creatively, when working remotely—but that's not necessarily true.
Below, the marketing and communications experts of Forbes Communications Council have zeroed in on 13 tips that can help any distributed team collaborate and brainstorm more effectively, whether you’re in a fully remote or hybrid situation.
1. Start From A Place Of Trust
Pursuit PR has worked remotely since our founding seven years ago, before the pandemic. This type of collaboration works best when the teamwork is based on trust. Our shared values of authenticity, accountability and integrity influence our remote collaboration. Starting from a place of trust opens up conversations on personal and professional needs and fosters an environment for high performance. - Rachel Kule, Pursuit PR
2. Combine Synchronous And Asynchronous Brainstorming
One tip for effective remote collaboration is to use structured brainstorming sessions with digital whiteboards. Set clear objectives and encourage everyone to contribute ideas in real time. What’s worked for me is combining synchronous (live) and asynchronous (individual) brainstorming, allowing diverse input while accommodating different work styles and time zones. - Kal Gajraj, Ph.D., CAN Community Health
3. Have Team Meetings With Cameras On
Many leaders discount the human body as a means of communication, but experts understand that over 70% of our communication (and energy) is transmitted via our body language. Especially in matters of creativity, you want to see, hear and “feel” ideas, and watch them snowball as creative energy transfers from one person to another, activating everyone. - Sahil Sethi, Freshwork
4. Leverage Virtual Whiteboards
Remote collaboration can be creative and effective with the right strategies and a structured agenda. Virtual brainstorming sessions using virtual whiteboard tools worked very well for us. - Khalid Al Awar, Dubai Sports Council
5. Focus On The Power Of Questions
How you ask a question can unlock how knowledge is shared. Knowing how to ask multiple questions helps iterate on a problem or opportunity. In a different environment, it is important to think of a different way to lead. Plus, in my experience, the ability to ask questions effectively is one of the core skills of C-suite leaders. - Bob Pearson, The Next Solutions Group
6. Create Intentional Opportunities For Thinking
Marketers are very adept at being creative and generating ideas in any setting. There are just better collaborative tools now. Microsoft Teams (or comparable software) with video, a whiteboard and breakout capabilities is a remote must-have. As a facilitator, I leverage intentional opportunities for thinking: individual thinking before the meeting and natural contemplative breaks during the meeting. - Deetricha Younger, Deetricha Younger, LLC
7. Actively Collaborate In Real Time
Sitting in a Zoom meeting and talking back and forth does not necessarily mean "collaboration." However, two or more people can open a shared document and live-edit together. This active back and forth often yields a faster, better end product because working in real time saves time. - Dave Minifie, Terakeet
8. Truly Get To Know Your Teammates
You must take the time to foster strong relationships. Slack chats and quick Zoom calls are not time wasted. They are as meaningful as face-to-face encounters. They will help you learn how your teammates think, what inspires them and how they approach their work. Get to know each other and share a lot of inspiration. When it's time to dig into a project, the foundation is there. - Yael Klass, Similarweb Ltd.
9. Maintain Consistency And Clear Expectations
Maintain consistency in your communication method by using this method to capture updates and recap conversations. When everyone on your team uses the same platform—whether it's Teams, Slack, Monday or another tool—it sets a clear expectation. This consistency ensures that everyone stays aligned, and you can rely on this method for everything from quick check-ins to comprehensive recaps. - Victoria Zelefsky, Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation
10. Craft A Shared Vision Employees Can Rally Around
Collaboration arises when team members desire to work together, investing in each other's success. To boost collaboration in a distributed marketing team, a leader should craft a shared vision that unifies focus and clarifies their mutual dependence. Build connections that emphasize the importance of collective effort, ensuring successful outcomes while reducing the impact of physical distance. - Arnav Sharma, Tech Mahindra
11. Ensure The Team Feels Trusted And Empowered
Managers have a choice: They can manage how things get done or define the goal, but not both. When people feel trusted and empowered, they’re more motivated to deliver their best work, knowing you believe in their ability to succeed. If you have to micromanage your team to hit targets, you either have the wrong team or an unachievable goal. Either way, that's a problem with the manager. - Charles Orlando, Galorath Incorporated
12. Make Collaboration A Strategic Focus
Don't let distance create disconnection. When you make collaboration a strategic focus, your distributed team can become more agile, innovative and productive. Purposeful communication channels, diverse working groups and clear deadlines empower your team to collaborate effectively, turning remote work into a competitive advantage. - Kayla Spiess, Searce
13. Explore Different Environments
Remote work can actually unlock creativity by giving the brain's reticular activating system the space to engage with diverse stimuli. Encouraging team members to explore different environments sparks new ideas. We've found success with an ongoing Slack channel where ideas are shared organically when inspiration strikes, fostering collaboration without the rigidity of structured brainstorms. - Brittany Garlin, The Sustainable Marketing Corp.