How can leaders build trust in remote teams?

Leaders can build trust in remote teams by being authentic, vulnerable, and maintaining open communication. Consistent one-on-ones and transparent interactions help foster a culture of trust and empowerment.

Authenticity and Vulnerability

Building trust in a remote team starts with authenticity and vulnerability. Scott shared his approach of being open and honest from the beginning. He emphasized, "I start by trusting everyone and then learn who turns out maybe I shouldn't be trusting" ▶ 4:36. This method, though risky, sets a precedent of openness that encourages others to reciprocate.

Brad added that being vulnerable in interactions, such as admitting when you haven't slept well or when you're feeling off, can go a long way in building trust. He explained, "I think it's about being authentic and being vulnerable" ▶ 36:23. This kind of transparency helps team members feel comfortable sharing their own challenges and needs.

Consistent Communication

Regular communication is crucial for remote teams. Brad mentioned his strategy of holding regular one-on-ones and open office hours to maintain a consistent dialogue with team members. He said, "I also do random one-on-ones. So that's like the one-on-one playbook that I have" ▶ 21:54. These sessions provide a platform for team members to voice concerns and for leaders to offer support.

Scott highlighted the importance of setting expectations and empowering team members to make decisions. He recounted a situation where he told a team member, "If you think this thing needs to be shipped, and you're prepared to take on monitoring it... then you are empowered to decide to ship it" ▶ 6:28. By trusting his team to make decisions, Scott reinforced a culture of ownership and accountability.

Building Relationships

In a remote setting, building relationships requires intentional effort. Scott shared an anecdote about meeting an engineering manager in person, which made future interactions more meaningful. He noted, "15 seconds right made there's something human we exchange smells I don't know how to describe it right is so powerful right" ▶ 29:29. While in-person meetings aren't always possible, leaders can create similar connections through regular video calls and personal check-ins.

Brad also emphasized the role of informal interactions in building trust. He described his practice of having open office hours where team members could discuss anything, from work-related topics to personal interests. This approach fosters a sense of community and connection, even in a virtual environment.

Transparency and Empowerment

Transparency is key to building trust. Brad and Scott discussed the practice of summarizing staff meetings and sharing them with the team. Brad explained, "We would record the last five minutes of that meeting and do essentially a... five-minute video" ▶ 25:52. This transparency allows team members to stay informed and feel included in decision-making processes.

Empowering team members is another crucial element. Scott's philosophy of radical trust involves giving team members the autonomy to make decisions and learn from their outcomes. This empowerment not only builds trust but also encourages growth and innovation within the team.

Overcoming Skepticism

New leaders often face skepticism from their teams, especially if the previous leadership was problematic. Brad acknowledged this challenge, stating, "I don't think I've ever been dropped into an org where they weren't skeptical of the new guy" ▶ 14:55. To overcome this, leaders must demonstrate their commitment to the team's success and be consistent in their actions and communications.

Scott added that building trust is a gradual process that involves many small acts of authenticity and support. He emphasized, "It's a lot of those little acts add up to changing a culture" ▶ 10:31. By consistently showing up for their team, leaders can gradually build a foundation of trust and respect.

In conclusion, building trust in remote teams requires a combination of authenticity, consistent communication, relationship-building, transparency, and empowerment. By adopting these practices, leaders can create a supportive and trusting environment that enables their teams to thrive.