Mix of Formal and Informal Engagement

In a normal office we see a mix of formal and informal conversations. In the remote world we see the informal conversations typically at the beginning of a live meeting as people are waiting for participants to join. There is a need in general for more interaction and more information flow. The formal communication usually happens through live meetings and followed up with formal (and often lengthy) emails to the team. The informal communication is restricted to the few unplanned moments between meetings and lunch, after work activities or carefully planned offsites.

Improving and increasing informal communication and conversations is an important factor to improving trust and participation. These informal communications are the ways in which team members learn about each other. Once we learn about each other, we tend to gain empathy and appreciation – both are positive factors that lead to better trust and better team participation.

These conversations should happen throughout the day and not just during a planned offsite. The way to learn about teammates is through frequent and short story conversations. This is not about planning a lengthy and formal speech, but rather a short slideshow showing one piece of information about everyone on the team – but done frequently.