How to Create Communities and Networks as a Remote Project Manager

Introduction

In recent years, the landscape of project management has undergone a significant transformation, with a surge in remote work becoming the new norm. As a seasoned project manager navigating this changing environment, it's crucial to recognize the importance of building communities and networks. Without a solid network, you may feel isolated. You may feel nervous that you are unable to access new clients (if you are a freelancer) or that you will not know where to turn if you need to replace your current job.

Establishing a community as a remote project manager offers a range of advantages. It enhances communication and collaboration, fostering a sense of belonging and team cohesion. Through knowledge sharing and continuous learning opportunities, you can collectively solve problems and innovate. Additionally, the community supports engagement, job satisfaction, and the celebration of achievements, creating a positive and inclusive remote work environment. Overall, it enables flexible global collaboration, acknowledging the unique challenges and strengths of a dispersed team. An additional benefit of a wide network is that when you are well known and connected, others in your community will often recommend you for new projects and positions.

In this article, we'll delve into how to foster meaningful connections and create communities in a virtual space.

Isolation In The Remote Landscape

To thrive remotely, you need to understand the virtual landscape and its unique challenges. It can be a lonely lifestyle and you may find yourself feeling isolated. It can also be difficult to find advice and support in your work.

Isolation can be a significant downside to remote work, impacting both well-being and productivity. Here are some statistics to highlight the issue:

Prevalence of isolation:

• 20% of remote workers in Europe experienced stress or anxiety related to isolation during the pandemic (Eurofound).

• 72% of employees report feeling lonely at least once a month (LinkedIn).

• 70% of remote workers feel lonelier than before (LinkedIn).

• 81% of under-35s fear loneliness from long-term home working (BBC).

Factors influencing isolation:

• Younger workers (millennials, Gen Z) are more likely to feel isolated due to lacking established work relationships or dedicated workspaces.

• Living alone increases risk of isolation compared to those with household members.

• Limited social contact outside work means fewer opportunities for casual interaction and can exacerbate feelings of isolation.

Impacts of isolation:

• Decreased productivity and engagement: lack of social interaction can hinder collaboration and communication.

• Increased stress and anxiety: feelings of loneliness can lead to mental health challenges.

• Burnout: difficulty separating work and personal life can lead to the constant work mentality.

• Negative impact on career progression: feeling disconnected from colleagues can hinder visibility and growth opportunities.

Additional considerations:

• Individual experiences of isolation vary greatly and depend on personality, work culture, and personal circumstances.

• Employers have a responsibility to create a strong sense of connection and support for remote workers to mitigate the risks of isolation.

Building a Remote Project Management Community

Your colleagues and other direct project stakeholders will always be the place you start when building a virtual community. They are familiar with you and are readily accessible. You can create relationships with a close and wider network using the methods we outline below:

Leveraging Technology for Community Building

• Utilize video calls whenever possible: Seeing colleagues' faces fosters nonverbal communication and creates a more personal connection.

• Schedule regular informal chats: Don't limit interaction to work-related topics. Get to know people on a personal level through virtual coffee breaks or lunch dates.

• Encourage participation in virtual activities: Make it easy for everyone to join, be mindful of time zones, and choose activities that cater to diverse interests.

• Create dedicated channels or forums for non-work discussions: Allow space for casual conversations, sharing hobbies, and building friendships.

Remember, technology is just a tool. Building lasting connections requires genuine effort and intentionality.

Knowledge Sharing and Professional Growth

Encouraging knowledge sharing is a crucial aspect of community building. Virtual knowledge-sharing sessions, whether in the form of webinars, workshops, or collaborative brainstorming sessions, contribute to a culture of continuous learning. Organizing and maintaining knowledge repositories, where valuable insights, best practices, and project documentation are readily accessible, further strengthens the collective knowledge base of the remote project management community. You may also be able to join local or international project management bodies (such as PMI) who hold regular virtual and in-person seminars and meetings.

Networking Strategies for Remote Project Managers

Networking is not just a luxury but a strategic imperative for remote project managers. Establishing connections within your organization and the broader industry is a multifaceted endeavor. Actively participating in virtual conferences, engaging in online forums, and connecting with colleagues from different departments not only expands your professional network but also fosters a sense of camaraderie.

Internal networking is equally important. Collaborating with other project managers, sharing experiences, and learning from each other's successes and challenges contribute to a supportive and collaborative internal community. Building relationships beyond your immediate project team not only enhances your personal growth but also has a positive ripple effect on the overall success of your projects.

Overcoming Challenges in Remote Community Building

While the benefits of remote community building are evident, challenges must be acknowledged and addressed.

Time Zones

Time zone discrepancies can hinder real-time collaboration. It is essential to implement flexible scheduling and utilize asynchronous communication methods.

Cultural Differences

Cultural sensitivity is crucial to ensure that diverse perspectives are not only respected but celebrated. Your new virtual community may include members from all over the world, with unique cultures. Misunderstandings based on culture are almost inevitable. Be sure to give yourself grace as well as extend grace to those who may accidentally offend you.

Communication Flexibility

Utilize diverse communication tools for both real-time and asynchronous collaboration. Establish clear communication guidelines and regular virtual meetings to bridge time zone differences.

Trust and Rapport Building

Invest in team-building activities, virtual social events, and open communication to foster trust and camaraderie. Promote transparency, encourage feedback, and actively listen to team members' concerns and suggestions.

Cross-Cultural Awareness

Provide cross-cultural training and resources to navigate cultural differences sensitively. Foster inclusivity and diversity by celebrating cultural holidays and traditions and establishing guidelines for respectful communication and conflict resolution.

Flexibility and Adaptability

Stay flexible and adaptable in remote community-building approaches to address evolving challenges and opportunities. Encourage experimentation and innovation, embracing change as an opportunity for learning and growth.

Measuring the Success of Remote Communities

It is difficult to empirically measure the success of remote community building. However if you are feeling happy and satisfied, as well as growing in your technical understanding of project management while also making diverse connections, you are succeeding as a remote community builder.

Measuring the success of remote community building can indeed be challenging, given the intangible nature of many of its outcomes. While there might not be a straightforward formula or metric to quantify success, there are certain indicators and qualitative assessments that can provide valuable insights.

One such indicator is the overall sentiment within your community. Are you actively engaged and participating? Do you feel satisfaction with your community's activities and offerings? Monitoring your own (and others) level of enthusiasm and positivity can offer clues about the success of your efforts.

Additionally, the growth and evolution of the community over time can be a telling sign of its success. Are you meeting new people regularly?

Furthermore, consider your personal growth. Are you gaining new skills, knowledge, or insights through your involvement in the community? Are you forming meaningful connections and expanding your networks? Assessing the tangible benefits that you derive from the community can provide valuable feedback on its effectiveness.

Ultimately, while there may not be a one-size-fits-all metric for measuring the success of remote community building, a combination of qualitative assessments and key performance indicators can offer a comprehensive view of its impact. By continuously monitoring and adapting your strategies based on these insights, you can foster a thriving and dynamic community that adds value to your life and professional endeavors.

Conclusion

The creation of communities and networks is not just a strategy but a necessity. Embrace the challenges, leverage technology, and actively participate in networking opportunities. As you build these connections, you're not just shaping your career; you're contributing to the success of your projects and the broader field of remote project management. With comprehensive strategies in place, the remote project management community can thrive, adapt, and achieve unparalleled success in the digital era.