Issue #13: 4 Ways to a Better Remote Team Culture
How to build a remote culture + you voted - the best Thanksgiving side dish!
My Crash Course in Remote Work
Like many others, I started working remotely full-time in March of 2020. It was a violent shove and a bit of a crash course on how to best work virtually.
I recall thinking that while some of my colleagues and friends struggled to get the hang of working remotely, others seemed to transition so smoothly - you’d think they had been working in that environment for years.
I personally, had a mixed reaction.
I was not only transitioning into a now virtual world but I was in the middle of a two weeks notice period. I was moving onto a new role, which at the time was meant to be in-person.
Honestly, it was a struggle to transition at this time.
Forced to say goodbye via chat or email, no celebration lunches, no cheers. I finished out my last two weeks, creating documents, sharing them, talking to the three - yes three different people who were taking over my one role.
It was a slow and painful end to my working there, we weren’t set up with tools and lacked a strong communication culture and it really showed when we all rapidly transitioned into remote work.
And then it was done…my last two weeks were completed. A short break later I was onboarding in a brand new place.
At the time like many others, we thought we had only a few weeks of lockdown, so although I was starting my new journey virtually, I knew it would be no time before I was sitting in my new office with the beautiful beach view.
I was wrong.
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📌Tip of the Week
The Power of the Pause
I am a talker… you wouldn’t have guessed it when I was 15 and barely able to order my own meal at a restaurant - I was painfully shy.
Anyways, being a talker means I hated awkward silences until I learned that silence and pause would open much more conversation, and not one sided conversation.
The Power of the Pause is a communication technique rooted in psychology, mindfulness, and even negotiation tactics. It emphasizes the importance of brief silence in conversations, especially during challenging or high-stakes situations. Here’s where to practice it:
In Meetings: Before jumping to conclusions or answering a complex question, take a breath and pause for 2–3 seconds. This shows you’re considering your response thoughtfully.
In Conflict: When emotions are high, pause after the other person speaks. Count to three before replying,, this can de-escalate tension instantly.
In Feedback: After giving feedback, pause to let the recipient absorb it and respond. Resist the urge to over-explain or soften your message.
If a pause feels awkward, lean into it! The discomfort is temporary, but the long-term benefits for your communication and leadership presence are immense.
Lessons of Team Culture in a Remote Work Environment
As it became more clear there was no quick return to office happening, I started to settle into my new role- totally remote and jumping into the hectic world of transformation B2B SaaS start up life.
The company was building out an entire digital organization to complement the existing portfolio and large wholesale matchmaking business, so we were hiring quickly, and transforming even quicker.
In my specific role, I was in charge of leading product development for a number of existing web applications and defining the future of a holistic ecosystem of digital products to connect wholesale buyers and sellers.
It started slow, leading scrum teams of five or so developers; however we quickly grew and soon I was overseeing four large, diverse teams of developers, user experience designers, copywriters, business analysts and product managers.
It was hectic, rapid growth times- and all virtual.
The majority of us were brand new to this experience and it took some hard work to create a team culture that could stand up and feel genuine and real, as if we were standing around the office cooler, having lunch everyday or building real relationships.
Here were some things my team and I implemented that helped us create the culture:
Every one of us had an understanding of not only the company vision but also an understanding of how what we did impacted that vision and goals. For example, I held meetings with each team (out of the four) frequently to ‘zoom up’ and discuss shifts in the organizations goals, customer needs, or pain points and general ‘where are we now’ discussions. And every month or so would do so with the larger group together. *It was important to me that I addressed each groups specific work but also made sure to bring us together to see how we all connected.
We played. Although we were in rapid growth mode, we took time out almost every week to have fun-as a team. From doing virtual coffee chats on Fridays to playing JackBox Games we laughed together, learned about one another personally took a little work pressure off our shoulders each week.
We set rules and guidelines about how we would communicate. At the time, there was a handful of great remote working tools that could ease the pains of asynchronous communication - there are many many more now. As a team we decided what worked best for us, as a company we had some standard tools but we as a team discussed how to leverage them. More than the tools, we took time to understand everyone’s needs and level of communication required. Some people just need a quick 15 minute conversation, others needed detailed documents and time to digest. We worked it out, together.
We had respect for one another. One great thing about being remote, it’s harder to gossip and ‘stir the shit’ if you will. Although that will always exists in any culture, it took more effort for gossip to gain traction in a remote world. Thankfully the team was above that. We were open with one another, trusted and respected and truly it made all the difference.
So, how do I know we built an amazing team culture?
We had some crazy, hectic-stressful times, but the team was happy, and extremely productive. And what more could you ask for…
Even as the main company decided to head in new directions and most of us were impacted by team layoffs we still stay connected and I often hear from those team members about how they have yet to find the same ‘culture’ and an amazing team.
Although it’s now been almost two years since I left that last role, where I never met 95% of my team in person; I know we think of each other often. Real relationships were made. Shoutout to those of you reading this, I am so incredibly thankful for you… ❤️
🆕Hello, AMA!
Q: “I just started in my new management role, but I am worried about coming off as a micromanager. Help!”
A: First off, congratulations on your new role! It’s an exciting time to be a new manager and there is so many great things you can do to get off on the right foot.
Start with listening. Do more listening (2 ears and all) then talking in your first days. Ask your team about their challenges, successes, and what they need to thrive. When people feel heard, they’re more likely to trust your leadership.
Share your vision and set clear expectations. As you become more comfortable with the companies vision, and current team efforts you’ll begin to form a vision-share this with your team! Nothing better than everyone being on the same page and understanding what is expected of them.
Lead by example. Make sure you are openly communicating and being transparent with your team. If you want them to communicate well with one another and you, you must be the starting factor.
And lastly, celebrate together and have fun. Congratulate and acknowledge individuals and the team on wins! But also, have some fun, get to know your team on a personal level and enjoy.
Remember, being credible doesn’t mean knowing all the answers; it’s about being authentic, reliable, and supportive. Trust grows over time, so stay consistent and intentional.
Got more questions? I’m here for you! Send them my way.
Wellness Corner
Is exercise the key to preventing burnout?
Burnout has become a buzzword in today’s work culture, but it’s more than just feeling tired. It’s a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion.
Could exercise be the antidote?
The Science Behind Movement and Burnout
Exercise reduces cortisol (the stress hormone) and increases endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, which are those "feel-good" chemicals that boost mood and energy.
Studies show that even 20–30 minutes of physical activity a day can significantly lower stress levels and improve overall well-being.
How Exercise Combats Burnout
Boosts Resilience: Regular movement trains your body and mind to handle stress better, helping you bounce back from setbacks.
Creates Mental Space: Physical activity acts as a reset button, giving you clarity and focus. A brisk walk can spark creativity and problem-solving.
Improves Sleep Quality: Exercise promotes better sleep, which is essential for recovery from burnout.
Finding What Works for You
You don’t need to run marathons or lift heavy weights to see the benefits. Start small and pick activities you enjoy:
A morning yoga flow to center yourself.
A lunchtime walk to break up the day.
An evening dance session to shake off stress.
Warning Signs to Watch
While exercise is powerful, it’s not a cure-all. If you’re deeply burnt out, jumping into intense physical activity might feel overwhelming or even counterproductive. In these cases, prioritize rest and consult a professional if needed.*
Community Insights
We Answered the Most Important Topic of the Week
What is the BEST side dish for Thanksgiving?
Well, I couldn’t have made these results happen - even if I tried.
Exact split between stuffing/dressing and mashed potatoes at 43%!
Honorable mention: Corn Pudding
Wishing you all a very happy Thanksgiving! 🦃
Until next time, stay well.
𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒅.𝒃𝒐𝒔𝒔 𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒎
* Consult Your Doctor First: Before starting any new exercise routines, wellness plans, or making significant changes to your diet, it’s important to consult with your doctor or healthcare provider. They can help ensure that any new practices are safe and appropriate for your individual health needs. Your well-being is our top priority, so please take this step before making any chan