Why We Meet: Building an Elite Remote Team

By: Brett MacNeil

While technology has enabled seamless remote collaboration, there's no substitute for the rich dynamics that in-person meetings bring. Investing in face-to-face interactions for a remote team is an investment in building a resilient, high-performing, and united workforce. In today's digital age, remote work has become the norm, and for Scythe & Spade it’s a strategic advantage providing us with regional farmland expertise and boots on the ground. But the significance of in-person meetings should not be overlooked. Gathering our remote team in person is more than just a logistical challenge – it's a powerful strategy for fostering connection, trust, and success. There are at least five ways in which we improve our team skills every time we meet:

Building Bonds:

Face-to-face interactions create a unique environment for team members to form genuine connections. Shared experiences, both professional and personal, contribute to a stronger team bond, fostering a sense of camaraderie that transcends virtual boundaries.

Building Trust:

Trust is the foundation of any successful team. Meeting in person allows team members to better understand each other's working styles, personalities, and strengths. This deeper insight can lead to increased trust, effective collaboration, and improved communication.

Building a Strategy:

While virtual meetings are convenient, they may lack the spontaneity and dynamic collaboration that comes with in-person discussions. Being physically present enables real-time brainstorming, problem-solving, and strategic planning that can take your team's initiatives to the next level.

Executing Strategy:

Face-to-face meetings facilitate a clearer understanding of expectations and goals. This clarity reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings and promotes a unified vision. As a result, your team can execute plans more efficiently, ensuring everyone is on the same page and working towards common objectives.

Boosting Morale:

In-person meetings provide a platform for recognizing achievements and milestones, boosting team morale. Celebrating successes together fosters a positive team culture and motivates individuals to contribute their best to the team's goals.