How to Build Connection and Peer Learning on Distributed Teams

Across my work, I'm seeing the same pattern on distributed teams: people don't just want to work together – they want to learn from, be inspired by, and feel part of a team. In the past, these connections happened naturally over coffee, in the cafeteria, or through informal networks. In an office, they formed organically without leaders having to design them. On distributed teams, they don't happen on their own; it's the leader's job to make them happen.

One of the biggest missed opportunities is peer connection and peer learning. Teams work best when people learn from each other directly, not only through their leader. Without it, the whole team moves more slowly and morale erodes. 

If you lead a distributed team, ask yourself:

• Outside official meetings, how is my team connecting person-to-person, or as a group?

• Where are the opportunities for them to learn from each other directly?

• What am I doing to make these moments intentional rather than leaving them to chance?