Building Remote Relationships: Alternatives to Lunch for Remote Employees

Leveraging Opportunities for Connection

• ✈️ Take advantage of travel opportunities to meet colleagues, even if the primary purpose of the trip isn't to see them.
• 🗺️ Consider extending trips or meeting halfway if the relationship is worth the extra effort, as the person you meet will feel valued.
• 📍 Keep a list of cities and contacts to remember potential meeting opportunities when traveling.
• ☕ Even brief encounters, like meeting at an airport Starbucks, can be valuable if you've made the extra effort to connect.

Enhancing Communication with Video Calls

• 📹 Choose video calls over phone calls to leverage non-verbal cues and see facial expressions, which aids in understanding and connection.
• 🖼️ Use video to notice personal details like office decor or hairstyle changes, providing conversation starters beyond work tasks.
• 🗣️ Engage in statement-question exchanges to keep conversations flowing, similar to a tennis rally, to avoid awkward silences.

Prioritizing Richer Communication Channels

• 📧 Replace some emails with video or phone calls, especially for discussions with multiple back-and-forth exchanges or when seeking opinions and feelings.
• 🖥️ Utilize screen sharing to visually explain concepts, troubleshoot problems, or demonstrate understanding, enhancing clarity.
• 📞 Consider calls for multiple subjects or regular briefings (like 10-minute stand-ups) as they are more efficient than lengthy emails for fostering questions and answers.
• 🎭 Be mindful of DISC profiles when choosing communication methods; high I's and S's prefer calls/video, while high D's and C's may prefer email, but adapt your approach to their needs.

The Power of Voicemails and Quick Calls

• 🎙️ Leave thoughtful voicemails that forward the conversation, answer questions, and provide context, rather than just asking for a callback.
• 😊 Convey positivity and enthusiasm through your voice, even on the phone, to show you are happy to work with the person and solve problems.
• 🤝 Make quick, one-minute calls for compliments, sympathy, or offers of specific help to show you care and are attentive to their needs.

Building Rapport Through Proactive Engagement

• ⏰ Join meetings early to engage in non-task conversations, providing a casual space to deepen relationships and hear about colleagues' lives.
• 💡 Send "I thought of you" messages with relevant articles, recommendations, or discoveries that show you understand their interests and are looking out for them.
• 🧹 Even if you can't engage in lengthy conversations, being present and available during early call times or sending a quick, relevant link demonstrates effort and care.