Help for Virtual Team Building

Struggling with team collaboration in the virtual space? A recent edition of the Knowledge at Wharton online site [CLICK HERE TO READ] provides one of their hugely helpful Nano Tools for Leaders to provide some practical tips for leaders and managers to face challenges in building engagement, trust, and communication within their teams.

The highlighted tool is the “Fast Friends” exercise, adapted by scientists from the Wharton Neuroscience Initiative. Originally developed to improve in-person social connections, this method has been tailored for remote teams to foster deeper connections and enhance virtual collaboration. The exercise involves participants answering a series of increasingly thought-provoking questions, such as “What would constitute a ‘perfect’ day for you?” This structured self-disclosure activity helps bridge the gap created by physical distance, promoting trust and cohesion.

Action Steps for Leaders:

1. Curate Questions: Use or adapt the 36 original “Fast Friends” questions to suit your context. Ensure the questions are profound to maximize impact.
2. Explain the Exercise: Clarify the purpose and structure, emphasizing the benefits of meaningful relationships for team effectiveness and business success.
3. Ensure Safety and Trust: Highlight the voluntary nature and confidentiality of the exercise. Encourage participants to step slightly out of their comfort zones.
4. Assign Participants: Pair or group participants thoughtfully, considering organizational hierarchies and comfort levels.
5. Utilize Breakout Rooms: Use tools like Zoom to facilitate the exercise in pairs or trios, sharing questions via email or chat.
6. Incorporate a Scientific Element: Measure the exercise’s impact by having participants rate their trust levels before and after the session.
7. Conduct a Debrief: After the exercise, bring everyone together to share their experiences and insights.
8. Abbreviate if Needed: While comprehensive sessions yield the best results, shorter sessions can still be beneficial.

The exercise has shown promising results. For instance, the Wharton Neuroscience Initiative implemented it with Matriarca, an Argentinian cooperative of artisans. Despite logistical challenges, the exercise fostered improved relationships and trust among participants, transforming interactions from confrontational to personal and community-oriented.

By integrating the “Fast Friends” exercise, leaders can enhance remote team collaboration, trust, and overall well-being, driving their teams towards greater success and cohesion.

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