Building a Remote Team: Lessons on Leadership, Connection, and Fun
As an entrepreneur who started my journey during the COVID era, I was forced to embrace a fully remote environment. While this setup allowed me to achieve a great work-life balance, I quickly realized it could become a liability if not managed properly.
Remote team building isn’t just a corporate buzzword; it’s the backbone of creating a thriving, motivated, and loyal team. Over the past year, my company has grown from a solo venture to a team of 11 people spread across the globe. I was thrown into the deep end of leadership and team building, learning through trial and error. I’m not an expert (yet), but here are some principles I live by to foster connection, encourage collaboration, and build a positive work environment in a fully remote world.
The 7 Things to Do to Build a Remote Team
1. Connect on a Personal Level
Remote work can feel isolating, so making a personal connection is essential. In my team, surnames are banned—they’re too formal and corporate for our culture. Most of us are working from home, probably wearing pajamas or casual clothes. We’re professional, but we don’t need to be serious all the time.
I joke a lot and encourage my team to do the same. Laughter is a great icebreaker and stress reliever, and it helps foster a friendly, approachable atmosphere. For example, we often poke fun at minor mistakes or share memes about them. These moments remind us that we’re human and that work doesn’t have to be stiff and corporate.
2. Accept (and Celebrate) Mistakes
Mistakes aren’t failures—they’re opportunities to learn. Oscar Wilde said it best: “Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes.” I’ve embraced this mindset, and I encourage my team to do the same.
When someone makes a mistake, I don’t respond with anger or frustration. Instead, I treat it as a learning moment. Our remote setup means team members could easily disengage and walk away, so it’s my responsibility to give them reasons to stay. By creating a safe space for mistakes, I’ve found that my team is more innovative and willing to take calculated risks.
3. Keep It Fun and Interesting
Remote work can sometimes feel monotonous, so I make it a point to inject fun into our routine. One of my favorite initiatives is a weekly 1-hour “play” session during office hours. We started with GeoGuessr (our unofficial global geography competition), and it’s been a blast.
I’ve encouraged everyone to share their ideas for future games, and soon, I plan to allocate a monthly budget for gaming or team-building activities. These sessions aren’t about who’s senior or junior—they’re about breaking down barriers and reminding everyone that we’re all part of the same team.
4. Encourage Collaboration Beyond Tasks
In a physical office, collaboration happens naturally—people chat during breaks or over coffee. In a remote setting, those moments don’t happen unless you create them.
I challenge my team to connect with colleagues, even across different projects. Sharing passions, hobbies, or even small talk builds camaraderie. The more connected people feel to each other, the more likely they are to enjoy their work and stick around.
5. Daily Standups Without the Agile Overkill
Let me start by saying: I’m not a fan of the hardcore agile or scrum methodologies. Endless calls and micromanagement are recipes for a toxic environment. However, daily standup meetings have proven to be a great tool for us.
These quick check-ins help us stay aligned on projects, but they’re also another opportunity for me to connect with my team. Yes, I talk too much (guilty as charged), but I use these moments to appreciate individual contributions and maintain a sense of togetherness.
6. Appreciation is the Secret Sauce
People thrive when they feel valued. I regularly show appreciation for my team members—individually and collectively. Whether it’s bonuses, shoutouts in team meetings, or private messages, I make sure everyone knows their work matters.
When things go wrong (and they sometimes do), I take a supportive approach. Instead of pointing fingers, I focus on solutions and help my team fix the issue.
7. Leadership Through Empowerment
As a leader, my ultimate goal is to empower my team to become leaders themselves. I encourage everyone to take ownership of their projects and collaborate as if the company were their own.
Why? Because one day, as our team grows, I won’t be able to connect with everyone one-on-one. By instilling this positive attitude now, I’m confident that my team will carry the same energy and values forward—even without my direct involvement.
Final Thoughts: Leadership Is Team Building
Building a remote team isn’t just about meetings, tasks, or tools—it’s about creating an environment where people feel connected, valued, and inspired. I genuinely love working with my team, and I’m endlessly grateful for the trust they’ve placed in me.
As a leader, I aim to push my team in a positive direction while staying humble and grounded. At the end of the day, we’re all people who want to feel appreciated and connected. And if you can achieve that in a remote setup, you’re already ahead of the game.
