In a pre-COVID world, you could step into someone’s office or swivel in your chair to chat with a colleague on a new initiative or follow up with a sales rep on your team. These days, with many teams working remotely, those impromptu conversations aren’t so easy.

However, as a sales leader, it’s important that you help your team members find ways to communicate and connect the dots through virtual hallway conversations. Aleassa Schambers, director of marketing at Root, has outlined some ideas to help everyone get on the same page, regardless of where they work. We share her tips in this issue of Promotional Consultant Today.

Be intentional with regular check-ins. Even if you only put 15 minutes on the calendar every other day, these regular connects allow your team members to quickly catch up and get on the same page.

Reach out to people. Whether you message them on Slack or send them a cookie bouquet, take time to connect with colleagues and sales reps you used to run into in the hallway. Remember that you do not always need to talk about work. Take a minute to ask about their family and how they are doing. It helps you both feel connected and it shows that you care.

Step outside. If you are working in the office, gather up a few of your sales reps to take a walk around the block or enjoy lunch outside. Schambers says that her team meets about once a month for lunch in the park in front of their office building. Everyone brings lawn chairs and spreads out six feet apart. They enjoy takeout meals and friendly conversation—but without the stale hallway air.

Create your own version of a sewing circle. In years past, women got together to catch up on the latest happenings while sewing quilts. You can do the same thing by bringing together a group that does not normally meet to enjoy virtual cocktails or socially distanced outdoor lunch. It’s a great way to find out what’s happening in people’s lives and learn how you might be able to help them.

Always be upfront with information. In traditional hallway conversations, the discussion was seldom one-sided. Both parties got details on the topic they were discussing. The same should be true in virtual hallway conversations, says Schambers. As a leader, make sure you give everyone helpful pieces of information, so they are not left in the dark.

If you are missing those chance encounters in the hallway, take some time to put a fresh spin on them. Check in with sales reps you may not see every day, work to bring people together in new ways, and be open and forthcoming with what you know. Virtual hallway conversations may look and feel different, but they produce the same desired result: connection.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers

Source: Aleassa Schambers is director of marketing at Root. She helps organizations and leaders recognize the value of creating strong company cultures that can deliver positive transformations for both their people and their customers.