Let's talk about Hybrid Teams Part One

Summary

In this engaging podcast series, Scott Rose and guests explore the dynamics of hybrid teams, focusing on the challenges and opportunities they bring. With insights from Jillian (J), Jillian (G), and Avril, they discuss the evolution of remote work, bust common myths, and share strategies for effective communication and collaboration. Topics like autonomy, maintaining team connections, and the impact of technology are covered in-depth, providing valuable advice for teams navigating the hybrid work model. The podcast emphasizes the importance of adaptability, empathy, and proactive communication for team success.

Takeaways

• 😀 The shift to hybrid teams and remote work has accelerated due to the pandemic, with technology playing a key role in enabling this transition.
• 😀 The widespread use of video calling tools like Microsoft Teams and Zoom has become a norm for virtual team communication.
• 😀 There is a common myth that people will be less productive when working remotely, but in reality, many teams have found that they are actually more productive at home.
• 😀 The importance of maintaining boundaries while working remotely is crucial to avoid overwork, as remote workers may struggle to separate work and personal life.
• 😀 Technology adoption is key to the success of hybrid teams, and organizations have had to move quickly to provide necessary tools and approvals.
• 😀 Many people initially feared that hybrid teams would struggle with collaboration, but it has been proven that effective collaboration can still occur virtually with the right tools and planning.
• 😀 Video fatigue has become a challenge for many remote workers, with some feeling overwhelmed by constant video calls. Flexibility in camera usage helps alleviate this issue.
• 😀 A common myth is that you cannot have difficult conversations in a virtual setting. However, hybrid teams have shown that these conversations can still be effective when structured properly.
• 😀 Hybrid teams need to be deliberate in their communication and structure, particularly in virtual settings where non-verbal cues (such as eye contact) are absent.
• 😀 Building relationships and fostering connections among team members is essential, and leaders must make space for informal, unscripted conversations to strengthen team dynamics.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the podcast episode?

The podcast focuses on hybrid teams, best practices for working virtually, and how remote and hybrid work environments have evolved, especially since the pandemic.

How did the pandemic accelerate the adoption of virtual work?

The pandemic forced organizations to shift to virtual work quickly, accelerating the adoption of technology tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams to facilitate remote collaboration and communication.

What example does Scott use to illustrate how quickly technology has changed?

Scott uses the example of finding a landline phone jack in his house, which reminded him of how technology has rapidly evolved, just like how work environments have shifted from in-person to virtual.

What is the biggest myth about working virtually that the podcast addresses?

A common myth is that employees would become less productive while working from home. However, the podcast participants share that remote work can actually increase productivity as employees avoid commuting and work in a more comfortable environment.

How has the use of video in virtual meetings changed since the pandemic?

The use of video has become the norm for team meetings and client interactions, whereas before the pandemic, video calls were less common, with phone calls being the preferred method of communication in some instances.

What tools have teams been using to improve virtual collaboration?

Teams have adopted tools like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and other collaboration platforms to improve communication and work together effectively, even when not everyone is physically present in the same room.

What challenges arise when some team members are in-person while others are remote?

A challenge highlighted in the podcast is that meetings can become disengaging for remote participants when in-person attendees have side conversations, leading to a feeling of exclusion for those working virtually.

What is a strategy Avril's team used to make hybrid meetings more effective?

Avril's team made a deliberate decision for everyone, including those in the office, to join meetings from their desks with webcams on to ensure that no one was left out or disengaged during hybrid meetings.

What role does structure play in virtual meetings according to the podcast?

Structure is crucial in virtual meetings, especially in larger groups. Tools like the 'Fierce Teams Conversation Tool' are recommended to ensure everyone has a chance to speak, ideas are focused, and decisions are made efficiently.

How has leadership changed in the context of virtual and hybrid teams?

Leadership in virtual teams now requires more intentionality. Leaders need to actively create space for informal, unscripted conversations with team members, and practice being curious by asking open-ended questions to understand their team's well-being.