Remote Doesn’t Have To Mean Distant
I really love our team. And I mean that sincerely. We’re a remote team, but you’d never assume so. Every individual brings something critical to the table that makes us all better at what we do collectively. I mean, that’s the way it’s supposed to be, right?
But actually getting there is a challenge for any business, no matter how experienced its leadership. And finding a way to sustain that sense of camaraderie and quality? It keeps Garrett and I on our toes.
We’ve never been one of those companies that says things like, “We’re more than a company — we’re a family!” Garrett and I have always found that framing manipulative. Because it is.
We created Formada to support our families, not replace them. To build something bigger than ourselves — something that helps people grow their own businesses and achieve their goals.
That’s why “team” makes so much more sense in the context of what a business like ours actually does. We each play a pivotal role in the organization, make specific contributions, and if one of us should bring anything less than our best, the whole team could fail.
Sure, it takes a lot of trust, but I’ve learned that that way of thinking puts way too much pressure on the rest of the team. That line of thinking is actually missing a crucial step.
Because in order for any business to really work, it takes people that know how to lead.
Leading Means Learning
I’m not going to lie: I’m still learning how to lead. I know that Garrett is, too. But what we thought leadership was 7 years ago vs. what we’ve come to understand it is today are worlds apart.
We had both built teams in other people’s companies. Managed, hired, fired, led the one-on-ones — all of the things you think equate to leading a team, and while those elements are essential, they’re just one small part of how you set the tone, convey the vision, and create a space where the real work is done.
Years from now, I’ll surely look back on these times and wonder, “What was I thinking?” But that’s how growth is supposed to feel. You’re proud of how far you’ve come, and you might cringe a little when you see how confident you were about something that really didn’t matter at all.
But some things are crystal clear.
Like last week, when we hosted one of our biannual team building events. This is a day where we’re focused on deepening our relationships with one another, playing a game or two, capturing new photography, and enjoying some great food.
One thing I’m always struck by is the reminder that we’re a fully remote team, but it never feels that way.
I’m never thinking about the fact that we’re rarely in the same room with each other. It just doesn’t feel like that. There’s no warm up period before things click into place. We’re already there.
Culture Is An Ongoing Investment
A lot of people think that remote companies can’t work, not in the sense that you can build a strong culture, and I just don’t agree with that.
I’ll concede that it’s not easy to build a strong culture, but it’s not easy to build a strong culture in an in-office environment, either. That’s what some folks won’t tell you: Physical proximity does not equal a healthier team culture.
It takes so much more than that. I’d go so far as to say that it really doesn’t matter if you’re a remote organization or if you’re a strictly in-office business — your culture lives or dies on the ability of its leadership to set the tone and live the tone.
Take this team building event, for example. A big part of these events is capturing new photography that we can use in our marketing throughout the year.
We take it seriously enough to hire a professional photographer, a production assistant, and a professional hair and makeup artist. Our brand possesses an element of sophistication that we want to capture and share with the world, and the best way to do this is to bring in experts who know exactly how to bring our vision to life.
But this situation also creates pressure. We have a lot that we need to capture during these team building sessions, and in order to do so, we all need to be at ease so we can be our best selves.
And to be honest, just a few short years ago, this was incredibly difficult for me.
Sometimes, You Don’t Choose The Role. The Role Chooses You.
I’m a big part of our brand, but I wasn’t always comfortable with that. I’m not the sort of person who likes being the center of attention. What I do like is people. I like meeting new people, having interesting conversations, and being with groups of people who want to experience new things.
In a way, that’s precisely what my job is at Formada, to bring in new people and learn what it is they need from a digital marketing agency — to make people comfortable, learn about their goals, understand the obstacles they’re facing, and determine whether or not we’re a good fit for each other.
Naturally, that puts me at the forefront of Formada’s brand. It was something that I needed to get used to. But now, seven years later, I’ve embraced this aspect of my role, and I understand that no one else can feel comfortable and empowered in these moments if I’m not there first.
And that’s exactly how I feel.
Positivity Is Contagious
I’m so proud of our team. I’m so proud of what Garrett and I and the rest of the team have accomplished together. I want the entire world to know that there’s a digital marketing agency out there that really cares about people, cares about their goals, and cares about growing their businesses.
I was able to stand back for a moment or two there and really see how well our team works together, how authentically they are able to show up, and how much they care about what we do and about each other. It’s inspiring.
“Where did you find all of these great people?”
“Your team is so fun to work with!”
“You guys have such a great energy.”
These are just some of the comments the photo team shared with me throughout the day, and it made me feel so proud. Formada started as an idea that Garett and I had. Now it’s a thriving business. We’ve created a feeling that we can share with others. It’s helping people grow their businesses.
We’re seven years in. But we’re just getting started.
Want to learn more about how the Formada team can help you grow? Contact me. I’d love to meet you.