Dress | Blazer | Booties | Necklace | Sunglasses

I can’t believe that it is now Fall and we are almost in the final quarter of 2020. I don’t know about you, but I put all of my Fall decor out this weekend which is so nice to be able to see new things like decor. At least we all know that the seasons will remain constant in our lives. I was able to get away to Fredericksburg for a few days in the middle of the week last week with a couple of girlfriends which was much needed. It was nice to relax, enjoy some wine, and just bond with these girls. Forming great relationships and especially managing effective relationships remotely is so important. It was the first time I had seen one of my friends since March, and it is so important to still have these relationships with your friends and family, as well as coworkers too. I have put my tips below on managing effective relationships remotely in the work place as well.

How to Manage Effective Relationships Remotely

• Have a Regular Check-In: Some people may see this as micro managing, but having a regular check-in is so important to the well being of your fellow employees, your boss, and anyone that reports to you. If you are working on a big project, this is essential for being remote. You need to make sure everyone is still on the same page and completing their tasks as planned.
• Don’t Talk to Each Other Only in Formal Meetings: I feel like I am in more meetings working remotely than I did while I was in the office. If you are only talking to your coworkers in a formal meeting, are you really having an effective relationship? It is important to be able to talk outside of the formal agenda and certain time frame with a certain audience. I think calling someone up on the phone to talk for 10 minutes is highly more effective than being in a formal meeting.
• Ask Questions Other Than “How Are You Doing?”: This is pretty much a dead ended question. Even if someone is doing horrible when you ask the question “How are you doing?” they are 9 times out of 10 going to just reply “fine or good, how are you?” This doesn’t really go anywhere and just may sound nice. Specifically asking “what did you do this weekend?” or “what did you think of that show I recommended to you?” is far more effective in communicating. It is truly about getting to know your co-workers and connecting during this time that is more important than ever.
• Make Your Own Coffee Talk Meeting: One of my friends at work and I have wanted to block out some time on a Wednesday morning to have a coffee talk and catch up. She is one of my friends that came with me to Fredericksburg, and we don’t get to see each other anymore. I had first met her in the bathroom at work and meeting in the hallways was one of our favorite things to do to catch up. Your schedule may seem completely insane, but trying to put a little time for this can make the world of a difference.
• Turn On Your Camera Ever Once in a While: I know I am like you and don’t like to have my camera turned on for meetings. I have a laptop with 2 monitors and a docking station, which the setup to flip open my laptop does not work well. There is a certain meeting that I do turn on my camera for and that is around employee engagement. This is more brainstorming, no one cares what you look like, and it is nice to be able to see some faces. You feel more connected and can see others facial expressions which does help in conversations and seeing people’s reactions.
• Discuss How Others Communicate Remotely: Depending on who you are talking to, their communication style is typically different from yours. It is important to understand how and in what manner they like to communicate. I know that some people prefer talking via communicator, and I personally hate that method. It is good for a quick question, but I would much rather pick up the phone and ask my question. Understanding how they like to communicate, and especially while being remote is key.
• Don’t Have Too Many Meetings: I always think if something could be solved via an email instead of a meeting. It might take about 10 emails, so a quick meeting seems more efficient in times like those. It is important to have a clear meeting objective and put a time that works best. Working remotely has really tied up our schedules and it is important to check on your coworkers and make sure they are not getting too overwhelmed.
• Still Reward People: I feel like people are always too busy, and they don’t take a step back sometimes to reward people. It is a simple gesture whether it is an e-card or a $50 gift card to the company store. This means a lot and helps your fellow employees in a time that made feel disdain. Trying to still build people up and offer recognition helps with motivation as well.
• Have a Couple of Coworkers That You Can Do Zoom Happy Hours or Book Club: I think it is important to have a couple of coworkers that you are also friends with outside of work as well. This is healthy and having a Zoom happy hour or book club is perfect for a situation like this. You want to be able to connect with these coworkers and know what their passions are and what things they like and don’t like. Engaging in an activity like this makes it fun and something you can talk about.

It is still a weird time and for a lot of people this has become the “new normal.” Connecting remotely is more important than ever to still be effective and have real relationships as well. Hope you enjoyed these managing effective relationships remotely tips, and let me know if you have any others.