How to make your team feel connected, regardless of your personality type

Here are three words to explain why I'm passionate about working remotely: freedom, creativity and connection. I have the freedom to hire and work with people from all over the world, breathe in the uniqueness of others, perceive cultural differences and challenge what I can do.

Unfortunately, it's not always easy to find a place in a telecommuting organization. Some people feel isolated, lonely or lose a sense of belonging to a team or organization. How can a leader learn to understand the personalities and energies within their team in order to support people on an individual level?

The struggle to connect with others

Some managers struggle to organize non-work related activities to encourage the team to build stronger bonds. People with an introverted personality style may feel uncomfortable in such situations. Others who are more action-oriented feel like they are too busy and tend to underestimate the importance of building relationships.

Whatever the reason, not giving space to building bonds and connections will have a negative impact on the team, especially when there are many people who are energized by getting to know their colleagues.

Ideas to support your team

Below are some ideas for supporting your team, even if relationship building isn't your strong point:

• Have an open and honest conversation about personality types. Consult a consultant and carry out free or paid personality profiles on the Internet. This will help you create a new map for your team to refer to.
• Task and empower your team to drive this initiative. Brainstorm to identify what "non-work-related" activities they might be interested in - e.g. B. virtual water cooler chats, virtual coffee breaks, pub quizzes and more.
• Lean on someone on your team who has a bubbly or extroverted style. It can help you create the positive energy your team needs to get meetings off to a good start.
• Connect team members with other departments. Let's face it: Despite your best efforts, it's possible that some people won't want to get involved. To support those who want to feel more included, encourage them to participate in social activities from other teams or departments. In the long term, this will be beneficial for two reasons. First, your employees will be more motivated and the risk of talent leaving the company will be reduced. Second, create strong bridges between teams and departments. It's like having an ambassador on the other side who can help pave the way and improve collaboration between teams.
• Make it easier to access by organizing these events during working hours. The “after work” drink in “traditional” environments is attractive as people physically leave the office. It's a change of scenery that you don't get in a remote work environment. When you work with people in different time zones, use your creativity and your team's input to make it work.

Your effort will be worth it

Knowing the personality types and preferences of your team members can be of great help. Considering how much money and time goes into hiring employees, I encourage you to try the techniques above to create the environment employees need to be motivated and effective.

It may not feel comfortable at first, but I can assure you that this way you can turn your team's life and workplace into a playground.