The Power of In-Person Connection: Insights from my Singapore journey
In an age of remote work connecting teams worldwide, one begins to wonder if meeting IRL still holds any value. While virtual collaboration has its merits, there's something irreplaceable about meeting up in person. Here's what I’ve been thinking about after hopping on a 15 hour flight to Singapore, and why I believe in the power of face-to-face encounters:
1. Building Genuine Relationships Beyond Work
Marlene Emric from Microsoft likens social capital to a rechargeable battery, and my trip to Singapore was essentially a "full charge." In our day-to-day interactions, much of our communication revolves around projects and tasks. However, sharing an office space and having lunch with colleagues allowed me to get to know people on a deeper level, outside the context of work. It's here that we formed bonds beyond our professional responsibilities. Any one dimensional relationship will become taxing, which is why I found it so valuable to expand the relationship to include facets beyond the deliverables we create together.
2. Smoothing Out Cultural and Logistical Hurdles
Cultural differences, diverse work styles, varying time zones, and busy schedules can create friction points in virtual collaborations. Our team syncs across shared work streams to deliver for our clients so that we can provide support 24 hours a day, 6 days a week, which means we need to ensure our collaboration is top notch. When handling complex clients or tricky projects, any number of obstacles can hinder progress.
In-person interactions provided a platform for open and transparent communication. Standing across from someone fosters candid discussions that aren't constrained by the formalities of email communication or waiting for the next meeting to bring up an agenda item. It's a game-changer for solving the tougher issues and navigating cultural nuances.
3. The Advantage of Being a Silent Observer
Immersing myself in another office, one that I interacted with entirely remotely, was an eye-opener. I became a "fly on the wall," witnessing the subtleties of interpersonal dynamics that don't come through remotely. From creative discussions to client interactions and problem-solving strategies, I gained an insightful perspective into how my colleagues work, observed their conflict management styles, collaborative creative process and their incredible expertise.
The old saying "out of sight, out of mind" sounds cliché, but it is accurate. The heartbeat of my work is the people with whom I create content. Strengthening relationships with these talented individuals translates to stronger, more meaningful work. My trip to Singapore reaffirmed that face-to-face time together is invaluable for nurturing these connections, and in turn, enhancing the quality of our collaborative efforts.
