The Art of Gathering at Work: How to Build Team Culture and Trust (Even Remotely)

Why Most Team Meetings Fail

Endless status updates and vague agendas leave teams disengaged. The fix? Start with a clear, bold purpose—like 'How can we support each other through change?'—and design every detail around it.

Curating the Virtual Room

Invite only those whose voices are essential for the purpose. Use breakout rooms for intimacy, and rotate roles so everyone participates.

Rituals and Rules for Remote Teams

Weekly opening rituals—like sharing a win or a worry—set the tone. Temporary rules, such as 'no multitasking' or 'video on,' create presence and focus.

Stories of Remote Transformation

One company replaced its all-hands with a monthly 'show and tell,' where employees shared personal projects, sparking creativity and connection. Another used a digital talking stick to ensure every voice was heard.

Actionable Frameworks and Templates

Use Parker’s 'five whys' to clarify intent, invitation scripts to set expectations, and digital checklists to keep meetings on track.

Lead with Purpose, Even Remotely

With the right tools, any team can build culture and trust—no matter where they are. 1 2 4