9 Practical Tips for Staying Connected and High-Performing

“How do you lead people when you’re not with them?”

That question from a colleague — who had just landed a global leadership role — still resonates today. The shift to virtual and hybrid teams isn’t temporary anymore. It’s part of how modern organisations operate.

A few years ago, I reflected on this after running a major APAC project involving teams from Sydney, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the US, culminating in a conference in Bangkok with participants from 12 countries. We had just six weeks to pull it all together — and most of it was done virtually.

Since then, I've seen that while face-to-face time is still precious, virtual leadership demands just as much intentionality and care. Here are 9 tips to lead a team — even when you're not physically together:

1. Maximise face-to-face time (when you have it).

When you do meet in person, make it count. Invest in building relationships, both professionally and socially. These bonds make virtual collaboration stronger and more resilient.

2. Embrace virtual “face time.”

Video calls (Zoom, Teams, etc.) are essential. Seeing each other's faces builds connection, trust, and better communication — even if it's not perfect.

3. Pick up the phone.

Not everything needs to be an email or a Teams message. A quick phone call can clear up confusion, build rapport, and feel more personal.

4. Communicate regularly and predictably.

Schedule regular team meetings — and stick to them. Consistency builds trust, especially when people are juggling different time zones and competing demands.

5. Create a Team Charter.

Set clear agreements on how you'll communicate, collaborate, and support each other. When should you call? When is an email enough? When is it better to meet face-to-face?

6. Share documents effectively.

Make collaboration seamless with shared platforms like SharePoint, Google Drive, or Dropbox. Clarity and accessibility prevent frustration and confusion.

7. Introduce simple Weekly Check-ins.

Ask your team to share brief updates each week:

• What was achieved (highlights and lowlights)?

• What’s coming up?

• Any issues or support needed?

It keeps everyone aligned without micromanaging.

8. Prioritise social connectedness.

Don't lose the human side. Celebrate birthdays, wins (big and small), or just catch up for a virtual coffee. Fun and connection matter more than ever in a dispersed team.

9. Continuously improve.

Check in regularly: How’s our virtual teamwork going? What could be better? Small tweaks make a big difference over time.

The bottom line?

Virtual teams aren’t second-best — they’re simply different. They offer diversity, flexibility, and new ways of working — but only if we lead with intentionality.

Be organised. Be human. Be spontaneous. Stay connected.

And when you do get the chance to meet in person — savour it!