Charles Morgan How To Use Storytelling To Create Stronger Remote Teams | 6 Ways To Reinvent The Way You Work | Why

Plus: 5 ways to embrace digital transformation

Communicating with your colleagues can be challenging enough when you’re sharing a workspace, let alone when you’re not even sharing a zip code. Luckily, there’s a simple speaking strategy to communicate in a compelling way no matter where you’re working: storytelling. Humans are hardwired to respond positively to narratives, and when done correctly, telling a story can serve as a means of not only sharing information, but cultivating a sense of trust, which as you know by now is crucial to successful telecommuting. Just make sure your stories include these three elements.

For starters, wear your heart on your sleeve. People are much more likely to respond to feelings than they are to facts, so don’t be afraid to show some emotion. By giving your story a personal touch, you’ll demonstrate authenticity and vulnerability, qualities that can help increase cohesion and reduce loneliness among your team members.

And here’s more on everything you need to know about working from home during the coronavirus pandemic.

For more on working and leading from home, check out our guide, updated daily.

The Telecommuter's Toolkit

When you’re not able to chat around the watercooler with colleagues, you have to actively create space for conversation. The concept of scheduling time to have what might otherwise be a spontaneous discussion may sound counterintuitive, but it can do wonders for your professional relationships while remote. Here’s how to reach out.

Leaders, have you asked your employees if they want to return to the office? When 70% of workers want to continue telecommuting beyond the pandemic, you’d do well to check in. How you move forward could make or break your employees’ engagement.

Now more than ever, it is essential that managers lead with empathy. Something as simple as starting each videoconference by asking employees how they’re feeling can ensure they feel understood. And in turn, it can give you a new perspective, one that can help you make better decisions for your team.

The Break Room

ICYMI: Hamilton is now streaming on Disney+, and it’s as educational as it is entertaining. Yes, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s award-winning musical is sure to teach you a thing or two about its namesake founding father, but it’s a masterclass in creativity, too.

Forbes Advisor: Here’s what you need to consider before taking out a payday loan or using a cash advance app—plus funding alternatives and financial strategies to help you avoid them.

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