Building a Remote Team by Casey Smith

Building a Remote Team by Casey Smith https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic Culture and Communication in a Virtual World en-us 2020-03-18 18:52:49 UTC 2026-02-16 17:20:03 UTC hello@padlet.com Casey CaseySmith_TFA https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/473704339 2020-03-24 23:27:10 UTC https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/473704339 jenniferhoffman https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/473755055 Increase time/space in the team meetings we're already having for checking in with each other (which facilitators have been doing--thanks!). It seems like the first reaction of a lot of us was to create additional meeting times/calendar holds to connect, but this has felt a little overwhelming. I think if people want to continue holding additional times to connect for people who can make it, that's great, but also be mindful that people who are having to take emergency PTO may not be able to prioritize all of those spaces and still want to be able to check in with the team.]]> 2020-03-25 00:48:13 UTC https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/473755055 jenniferhoffman https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/473758346 The initial team survey was a good idea, and I know people's situations will likely change, so doing something like that every week or two to check in could be helpful. And the spaces for team culture, noted on the previous question, can be opportunities to check in with each other more "face to [virtual] face."]]> 2020-03-25 00:53:34 UTC https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/473758346 jenniferhoffman https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/473759372 Actual tech challenges like wifi connections cutting out, additional distractions, and higher probability of misunderstanding that can happen when you're not in person (more important to demonstrate active listening, convey tone when communicating through writing, etc.).]]> 2020-03-25 00:55:20 UTC https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/473759372 jenniferhoffman https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/473761062 Slack has the Emergency PTO hours when I am planning to be open for communication/work time. I haven't sent calendar holds because things keep changing and I don't want to crowd inboxes/calendars, but I'll share my most recent planning here in case it's helpful. ]]> 2020-03-25 00:58:12 UTC https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/473761062 jenniferhoffman https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/473768441 Nature (even just standing on the front porch for a minute to breath fresh air/look at trees); hugs from Juliet.]]> 2020-03-25 01:10:38 UTC https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/473768441 jenniferhoffman https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/473768897 I'm not sure if we'd find one day/time that works for everyone; I definitely don't expect people to work around my availability, and I'm trying to prioritize team meetings when I can (as long as y'all don't mind Juliet wreaking havoc in the background).]]> 2020-03-25 01:11:30 UTC https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/473768897 jenniferhoffman https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/473769712 I read an article in HBR about managing others while working remotely, and it suggested letting people choose the format of the meeting. It got me thinking about how we might give more flexibility around having cameras off (Zoom) and/or finding other formats for meetings/communication that could meet differing needs (for CMs and staff).]]> 2020-03-25 01:13:00 UTC https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/473769712 Company! yooeunkim https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/473806117 2020-03-25 02:20:13 UTC https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/473806117 The Tuesday Impact Team meetings have been helpful to set clarity and direction. As I adjust to new protocols such as this set in place, I feel that All-In Wednesday meetings may be helpful if there are additional information/updates that were not shared in other meetings or Slack/Email messages. yooeunkim https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/473806547 2020-03-25 02:20:58 UTC https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/473806547 I appreciate the usage of different modalities/mediums to virtually interact with others. :) Padlet is great! yooeunkim https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/473807067 2020-03-25 02:21:55 UTC https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/473807067 Seeing the header on the Slack user profile has been incredibly helpful as things are subject to change. Adding the level of responsiveness on the header may be helpful in honoring these hours. yooeunkim https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/473807626 2020-03-25 02:22:55 UTC https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/473807626 The lack of physical presence/proximity may create miscommunication. yooeunkim https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/473810002 2020-03-25 02:27:28 UTC https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/473810002 As we gain more clarity on our workstreams, what are the procedures/norms on providing deliverables as remote team members? yooeunkim https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/473811033 2020-03-25 02:29:24 UTC https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/473811033 Bi-weekly survey forms may be helpful in identifying and addressing peoples' needs as things may be subject to change. yooeunkim https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/473816687 2020-03-25 02:39:34 UTC https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/473816687 Encouragement that we're doing what https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/474981587 2020-03-25 16:50:05 UTC https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/474981587 Bianca: Words of affirmation biancanepales https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/474986004 2020-03-25 16:51:52 UTC https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/474986004 PTNAVA https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/474987033 Just from my own preferences, I start to lose focus in a virtual meeting after about an hour. (the last L&D day being an exception). If we could split the meetings up (either on different days or different times within the day), it might be more of a scheduling burden since it would be smaller blocks, but it would allow for additional touch points and check ins with people. PTN]]> 2020-03-25 16:52:19 UTC https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/474987033 Bianca biancanepales https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/474990165 Denny's breakfast groups - virtually - would love to connect with this heterogeneous group on our team through maybe a bi-weekly coffee hour

]]> 2020-03-25 16:53:37 UTC https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/474990165 Bianca biancanepales https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/474997681 Missing tone - some slack/email conversations are better over the phone or zoom if they have the potential to be misperceived ]]> 2020-03-25 16:56:58 UTC https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/474997681 b biancanepales https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/475002684 2020-03-25 16:59:10 UTC https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/475002684 I think it would be fun to do team challenges: cooking, workouts, reading, binge watching, creativity (painting) etc -Briana briana_berry https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/475163009 2020-03-25 18:15:21 UTC https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/475163009 My students! -Briana briana_berry https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/475167372 This was us doing a face mask on an overnight field trip]]> 2020-03-25 18:17:38 UTC https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/475167372 Family First https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/475169760 I love hanging out with my family!]]> 2020-03-25 18:18:54 UTC https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/475169760 jonathanchoperena https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/475171351 Space and pizza lol]]> 2020-03-25 18:19:44 UTC https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/475171351 Zoom fatigue lol briana_berry https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/475172259 I have no solution. Just want to name this]]> 2020-03-25 18:20:12 UTC https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/475172259 Casey CaseySmith_TFA https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/475173615 When someone can't make it to a meeting, it's unlikely that they can watch a recording either (thinking specifically for folks on Emergency PTO). They could then lose out on valuable info if there aren't notes captured throughout the meeting.

]]> 2020-03-25 18:20:54 UTC https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/475173615 jonathanchoperena https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/475173984 Misunderstandings or miscommunications.

It can also be challenging to extend unconditional positive regard in virtual spaces and where relationships arent yet solid]]> 2020-03-25 18:21:05 UTC https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/475173984 Sharing events like birthday's or anniversaries that are coming up so we can create and sign virtual cards, etc. https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/475173987 2020-03-25 18:21:05 UTC https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/475173987 Have a "buddy" briana_berry https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/475176297 Make sure everyone has ONE person who is their go-to for processing. Obviously the person has to agree but I think having a point-pal would be awesome. And maybe we can do nice things for that person! ]]> 2020-03-25 18:22:21 UTC https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/475176297 Morning/Afternoon Emoji share https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/475177869 Set a specific time during the day to share an emoji either as your status on slack or in the channel about how your feeling and if you'd like to check in with someone]]> 2020-03-25 18:23:12 UTC https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/475177869 Family https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/475178439 Maybe setting up some family meet ups - short Zoom time for us to connect as people and children and significant others are also invited. That way we don't have to worry about trying to hide from our families every time we need to take a zoom call - Theo]]> 2020-03-25 18:23:29 UTC https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/475178439 a good book and some space christina_deberry https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/475179562 2020-03-25 18:24:04 UTC https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/475179562 Next steps CaseySmith_TFA https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/475184184 Notes from our Meeting

- Always write OPTIONAL in optional team spaces and give clear descriptions of what is happening in meetings
- Knowledge capture during meetings: sending notes from meetings to those who couldn't attend (maybe consider "recorders" that alternate people) vs. recordings
- Buddy system for checking in and filling in on important things
- Consider "meetings" that require input/collaboration vs. "webinars" or "voice notes"
- Digital birthday, anniversary cards
- Finding time for extended TFA family (zoom calls with kids and families with us)
- Spirit Week and Challenges to keep us having fun and growing closer
- Surveys every week or having a slack emoji that symbolizes needing something
- Wednesday meeting- consider ways to do learning outside of the space and then come together to share

]]> 2020-03-25 18:26:35 UTC https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/475184184 Time to prioritize skill building https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/475186378 I like all in Wednesdays... I think this is a time to really prioritize skill building in different groups and based on specific needs. Calling others into our space to help connect our work with others to continue to build skill there as well as in our work with CM's

]]> 2020-03-25 18:27:48 UTC https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/475186378 Have "Show & Tell" times in which working groups share what has helped them work together, this would be a process for people to share ideas of best practices. wuendyzavala https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/475189144 2020-03-25 18:29:18 UTC https://padlet.com/CaseySmith_TFA/fh2pyx7gvzic/wish/475189144