Leading in a distributed world

The workplace is becoming more distributed, with teammates doing their best work across the US and around the world. At Instagram, we have room to get better at leading distributed teams, keeping cross-city communication strong, and foster connectedness. A strong plan starts with active and disciplined communication, including making time for socializing and non-work-related down time.

There are several areas to monitor when leading a distributed team. If you see signs of disconnect across XFN functions, and a lack of activeness in crit, chats, groups, you may want to get closer to your people. When in doubt, lean into Pulse results and proactively run retros on team health.

Designers ran SWOT exercise and Pulse established follow up activities with the team which helped identity these type of concerns.

Ted B.

After temperature checking, you’ll want to evaluate communication norms—including non-work-related social ones! Start with diligence and rigor around wide sharing, consistent note taking, and org-wide broadcasting. From there, get creative with your existing formats. Consider longer 1:1 time for those that need it, and don’t skimp out on dedicated social time with the team.

Small group settings like smaller crit sessions, or even more causal “hang out” sessions are ways to get to know each other.

Arielle S.

Try sharing formats like ‘Show and Tell’ that are less rigourous that a crit. Provide opportunity to look under the hood of projects, complete or WIP.

Jeremy S.

Being cognisant about posting information in group forums and threads, instead of just 1:1s

Ryan M.

To foster connectedness and engagement, consider “planned” but casual conversations. Ensure social time happens regularly instead of one-off. While it’s easy to get caught up in the day to day, be sure to have 1:1 topics beyond work. We have tools to keep us connected over the internet, but don’t underestimate the value of IRL get togethers.

Encouraging more personal introductions to the team - using photos, personal stories, etc.

Jill N.

Quarterly in person gatherings. Have been able to work creatively within budget constraints too. (Hosted backyard BBQ, nature walk/ hike, etc)

Carly L.

Team rituals for sharing low stakes, non-work related tidbits. In our monthly meetings we kick off with “around the room” questions – eg. if this week were a song, what would it be? what’s your useless superpower? if you are what you eat, what are you?

Melissa H.

To ensure voices are heard on our teams, dedicate time and space in meetings and conversations for new ideas—ask for them! Importantly, go beyond designers and make time with your engineering and XFN peers.

Encourage and bake in time for ad-hoc commenting on docs so that ideas and voices can be heard across time zones.

Marcie Q.

Spin up chat threads with designers or other team members that toss out new ideas and elicit convo.

Matthew H.

Catch when conversations are continuing after VC has disconnected and suggest the conversion move to chat with the broader meeting group.

Lucy D.

Learn about Lindsay Snow Herhal on LinkedIn and as @lindsaysnow on Instagram.