Here's how you can foster strong relationships with remote colleagues in the oil and gas field.

Train on being a chair or team member via active involvement in a professional association that collaborates remotely, like SPE Tech. Section or Event Organizing Committee. ... It is hard to chair a remote meeting, so you need to see what works best with whom.

Encouraging openness and the sharing of ideas, questions, and concerns helps prevent misunderstandings and builds a culture where everyone's input is valued. Building a culture of communication involves fostering a mindset that values clear, consistent, and open dialogue. Training programs on effective communication and recognition of good practices can reinforce this culture, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and team cohesion.

In the oil and gas industry, where operations often span multiple countries and time zones, this is particularly crucial. Encourage team members to follow through on commitments and support one another in their tasks, as the high-risk and technical nature of the industry demands precise coordination and dependability. Recognize and celebrate achievements as a team to reinforce the notion that everyone's work is vital, from engineers on offshore rigs to analysts in remote offices. Trust is also fostered by understanding and accommodating the different time zones and personal circumstances that can affect remote work, ensuring that all team members feel valued and supported regardless of their location.

The social side of work - water cooler chat - is what many remote workers crave. 1. Set aside a little time for social interaction before a meeting 2. Have general chit chat with your colleagues regularly 3. Ensure to give everyone on the call a chance at the social conversations

Fostering casual social interaction is key to building relationships in remote settings in the oil and gas sector, which often involves geographically dispersed teams working on complex projects. Creating opportunities for team members to interact informally through virtual coffee breaks or online social events can be particularly beneficial in this industry. Given the high-stakes nature of oil and gas operations, where collaboration and communication are crucial for safety and efficiency, these informal interactions can help break down barriers encourage team members to see each other as people, not just as colleagues. Building such social bonds is essential for a cohesive team dynamic, enhancing trust and cooperation.