By Charlotte Lariviere– Managing Director @eCommerce Placement
If you’re like me and still trying to navigate the remote work world, you may have picked up on how essential it is to lead your team with kindness and empathy. It’s a game-changer and can really make a huge difference in team morale and productivity! So, let me share my experiences on this wild ride and how we work to create a supportive and caring remote workplace for our awesome team.
Why it’s important:
- Making everyone feel heard:
While we’re miles apart, it can be easy for team members to feel disconnected and hesitant to speak up. Creating a safe space where they can share ideas and concerns is a must.
- Trust and loyalty building:
Through the years, I’ve learned that showing genuine care builds trust among my remote team. I cannot stress enough how important trust is in the grand scheme of things. It’s the glue that holds us all together, making us stronger and more loyal to each other and the mission.
- Bringing out the best:
Making your team feel appreciated boosts confidence and makes them feel like rockstars at what they do. Creating a work culture that motivates and lifts everyone up is a surefire way to ensure this.
How we do it:
- I’m all ears:
We set up weekly one-on-one video check-ins with each member of the team. We talk about work stuff- sure, but we also discuss personal life, bounce ideas off each other, and keep the connection strong. Outside of the one-on-one meetings, I make sure I am available via Slack for any and all questions, concerns, or discussions. This ranges from brainstorming different recruiting tactics to figuring out what movie to watch tonight. I’m here for it all!
- Cheers!:
When someone on my team places a candidate, brings on a client, or completes a project they’ve been working on for a while- we celebrate. Shout-outs in Slack and on our weekly meetings are a huge confidence booster and we love to celebrate all wins- big or small!
- Work hard, play hard:
Remote work (as amazing as it is) comes with some blurring of the lines between home and work. That’s why we emphasize the importance of taking time off, whether it’s for a family vacation, you’re feeling under the weather, or you just need a mental health day. A healthy work-life balance is beyond important, and self-care is non-negotiable.
- Team hangouts:
Virtual team building is an important facet of my job and I must admit, it comes with some difficulties. Scheduling a happy hour for a team across the US isn’t easy. We try to organize fun activities and get-togethers via Zoom to maintain our tight-knit crew. This includes holiday parties, birthday celebrations, and more. We even met for an in-person retreat last year which was a blast!
- Elevate and empower:
We are all about helping the team grow. I love providing opportunities to develop new skills and advance their careers. If someone on my team shows interest in marketing, I will do everything in my power to support and offer any resources I can. Their success is our success!
My journey has taught me that kindness and empathy are essential when it comes to leading a remote team. Small acts of simply offering support and understanding can create a positive ripple effect that increases productivity and team happiness- and really nourishes the close-knit, family-like culture that is so important in a remote work environment.
