12 answers
Anaiya
Student
Kettering, Ohio
1
Question
Updated
944 views
How can aspiring leaders such as myself ensure that technology doesn't take away from the connectedness and empathy of my team when using it to communicate with one another?
Technology is a wonderful thing, but many of us have found that there is a serious lack of empathy when humans interface on the internet. In a work setting, it is important to ensure there are proper expectations set to remain professional, but in today's world, we need to determine what is the driving force that allows users to be empathetic through technology.
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12 answers
Laura Fox, CPC, CCA, CCP
Director Construction Project Cost Advisory
9
Answers
Saint Paul, MO
Updated
Laura’s Answer
That's a great question! Just by thinking about empathy and connection as a future leader, you're already ahead of many others.
Technology can bring people closer or push them apart, depending on how you use it. Here's how to make sure it brings your team together:
1. Lead with Purpose, Not Just Convenience
Choose in-person or voice communication over digital when it helps maintain tone, understanding, or trust.
Example: If there's a problem, talk face-to-face or on the phone instead of sending an email or text.
Use technology to strengthen human bonds, not replace them. Think of it as a bridge, not a substitute.
2. Focus on Face-to-Face (Even Online) for Important Moments
For feedback, praise, check-ins, and big updates, use video calls or meet in person when you can.
Body language, tone, and facial expressions help build empathy and understanding.
3. Make Digital Communication Personal
Be thoughtful in your texts, emails, and chats:
Use names.
Show appreciation or encouragement.
Write like you’re talking to a person, not a machine.
Simple messages like “How’s your day going?” or “Thanks for handling that quickly” can mean a lot.
4. Set a Positive Example as a Leader
Model warm, clear, and respectful communication.
Encourage your team to call or visit each other when it matters.
Notice when too much digital communication creates distance or confusion, and bring everyone together.
5. Use Technology to Build Safety, Not Just Speed
Create group chats or digital spaces for casual conversation, check-ins, and support, not just tasks.
Use tools like Slack or Teams to share achievements, birthdays, or even fun memes to build culture.
6. Regularly Ask for Feedback
Ask questions like: “How are our communication tools working for you?” or “Do you feel connected and supported?”
This feedback helps you stay focused on people and adjust if anyone feels left out.
Remember: Successful leaders don't avoid technology—they make it more human. Connection isn't lost through tools; it's lost through neglect. Be the leader who ensures everyone feels seen, heard, and valued, no matter the medium.
Technology can bring people closer or push them apart, depending on how you use it. Here's how to make sure it brings your team together:
1. Lead with Purpose, Not Just Convenience
Choose in-person or voice communication over digital when it helps maintain tone, understanding, or trust.
Example: If there's a problem, talk face-to-face or on the phone instead of sending an email or text.
Use technology to strengthen human bonds, not replace them. Think of it as a bridge, not a substitute.
2. Focus on Face-to-Face (Even Online) for Important Moments
For feedback, praise, check-ins, and big updates, use video calls or meet in person when you can.
Body language, tone, and facial expressions help build empathy and understanding.
3. Make Digital Communication Personal
Be thoughtful in your texts, emails, and chats:
Use names.
Show appreciation or encouragement.
Write like you’re talking to a person, not a machine.
Simple messages like “How’s your day going?” or “Thanks for handling that quickly” can mean a lot.
4. Set a Positive Example as a Leader
Model warm, clear, and respectful communication.
Encourage your team to call or visit each other when it matters.
Notice when too much digital communication creates distance or confusion, and bring everyone together.
5. Use Technology to Build Safety, Not Just Speed
Create group chats or digital spaces for casual conversation, check-ins, and support, not just tasks.
Use tools like Slack or Teams to share achievements, birthdays, or even fun memes to build culture.
6. Regularly Ask for Feedback
Ask questions like: “How are our communication tools working for you?” or “Do you feel connected and supported?”
This feedback helps you stay focused on people and adjust if anyone feels left out.
Remember: Successful leaders don't avoid technology—they make it more human. Connection isn't lost through tools; it's lost through neglect. Be the leader who ensures everyone feels seen, heard, and valued, no matter the medium.
Staci Edwards
Professional Services Account Management and Operations
1
Answer
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Staci’s Answer
Hi Anaiya. This is a great question as it is a true challenge for leadership and workplace culture, especially over the past few years as many organizations have provided the opportunity for many roles to be remote and hybrid.
There are a lot of great takeaways from those who have already answered. What I will add in is to say that, as a leader and a team member, you have to be extremely intentional about interactions and making them personal. A remote workplace creates a much more "transactional" experience when it comes to interactions - You're sending me an email to inform or ask for something, you're calling me because there is something urgent you need help with, I'm reaching out because I need your input, etc. We aren't meeting each other at the water cooler/coffee pot or grabbing lunch together, and losing those non-work interactions creates obstacles to relationship building. Find ways to focus on the people, and not just the work to be completed.
It can take more time, but setting up 1:1 meeting connections with team members to have a virtual coffee date with cameras on. This can sound like such a burden given how busy everyone is, but most people, when they force themselves to take a step back, will find that this can actually energize them before jumping on the next call or diving into the project work. Even 1:1 interactions that are work focused but allow you space to ask about how someone is doing, their family, their weekend, etc can provide opportunities to build connection.
When you can, and the team members embrace it, be on camera. Maybe you set the expectation that at the Wed. team meeting, everyone's on camara. That way no one is caught off guard and can be ready to engage visually.
Are there opportunities for the teams to co-locate and connect in person. Even once a year can have a tremendous impact on the relationships.
Another thought is to find ways to make technology work for you. I was on a team where everyone had MacBooks, and a new Zoom featured was introduce for Macs that allowed for gestures to create animations. The team used this as a funny way to throw confetti or initiate balloons filling the screen when celebrating a win. Even simpler things like document sharing and live editing on project work while everyone is on the call together and can share screen to create the feel that everyone is in the same space and connected to each other and the work.
I always enjoyed this series of commercials as a way to show how a team stayed connected and utilized technology to achieve great work (and it's just funny to watch): https://youtu.be/wNJLpY4rqE8?si=dr49tJyI9CuzYC68
Good luck and kudos to you for already being focused on how to be an amazing leader and keep empathy in the work place.
There are a lot of great takeaways from those who have already answered. What I will add in is to say that, as a leader and a team member, you have to be extremely intentional about interactions and making them personal. A remote workplace creates a much more "transactional" experience when it comes to interactions - You're sending me an email to inform or ask for something, you're calling me because there is something urgent you need help with, I'm reaching out because I need your input, etc. We aren't meeting each other at the water cooler/coffee pot or grabbing lunch together, and losing those non-work interactions creates obstacles to relationship building. Find ways to focus on the people, and not just the work to be completed.
It can take more time, but setting up 1:1 meeting connections with team members to have a virtual coffee date with cameras on. This can sound like such a burden given how busy everyone is, but most people, when they force themselves to take a step back, will find that this can actually energize them before jumping on the next call or diving into the project work. Even 1:1 interactions that are work focused but allow you space to ask about how someone is doing, their family, their weekend, etc can provide opportunities to build connection.
When you can, and the team members embrace it, be on camera. Maybe you set the expectation that at the Wed. team meeting, everyone's on camara. That way no one is caught off guard and can be ready to engage visually.
Are there opportunities for the teams to co-locate and connect in person. Even once a year can have a tremendous impact on the relationships.
Another thought is to find ways to make technology work for you. I was on a team where everyone had MacBooks, and a new Zoom featured was introduce for Macs that allowed for gestures to create animations. The team used this as a funny way to throw confetti or initiate balloons filling the screen when celebrating a win. Even simpler things like document sharing and live editing on project work while everyone is on the call together and can share screen to create the feel that everyone is in the same space and connected to each other and the work.
I always enjoyed this series of commercials as a way to show how a team stayed connected and utilized technology to achieve great work (and it's just funny to watch): https://youtu.be/wNJLpY4rqE8?si=dr49tJyI9CuzYC68
Good luck and kudos to you for already being focused on how to be an amazing leader and keep empathy in the work place.
Jasveer Kherha
Life Sciences and Healthcare Consultant
2
Answers
Morristown, New Jersey
Updated
Jasveer’s Answer
Technology is great, but it does not and should not replace human interaction. I am a firm believer that showing empathy and transparency helps keep the lines of communication open. Often times we think a problem can be solved via email and then after multiple exchanges the issues is not resolved and may have become slightly more complicated. Picking up the phone or maybe turning on the camera to have some face to face discussion helps to resolve the problem faster and also you can see reactions and body language.
Justin Oser
Project Manager
2
Answers
El Paso, Texas
Updated
Justin’s Answer
Hi Anaiya,
This is something that's very important to consider. When you work with others remotely, there are extra steps to take to make sure you're staying connected and that there is open communication and understanding among team members. I would recommend the following:
1. When you send a message to someone (through instant messaging or email), think of the message you're conveying and the way that you're conveying it. As a leader, you often have to ask someone to do something for you or check on something that was assigned to them. Something as simple as starting with "Good morning!" or "Hope you had a great weekend!" can encourage connectedness and start things off on the right foot. The content of the message is very important - I often double-check my messages before sending them to make sure the message is clear, concise, and strikes the right balance of asking for something without being short or rude.
2. Video calls are an important way to connect. Especially when I'm at a new job, I will often set up time with those I will be working with to introduce myself and for us to get to know each other on a personal and professional level. That can help a lot in everyone seeing each other as human beings encountering the same challenges and opportunities and being in it together.
3. In meetings, it's important to have your video on (if possible or if you're comfortable with that) so that other participants can see where you're at and how you're reacting. It's also important to prepare for every meeting that you'll be in so that you can contribute your questions and expertise. Knowing when to speak and when to hold off and see how things go is something you will learn over time, but it's a very valuable skill to have.
I hope all of this helps and best of luck!
This is something that's very important to consider. When you work with others remotely, there are extra steps to take to make sure you're staying connected and that there is open communication and understanding among team members. I would recommend the following:
1. When you send a message to someone (through instant messaging or email), think of the message you're conveying and the way that you're conveying it. As a leader, you often have to ask someone to do something for you or check on something that was assigned to them. Something as simple as starting with "Good morning!" or "Hope you had a great weekend!" can encourage connectedness and start things off on the right foot. The content of the message is very important - I often double-check my messages before sending them to make sure the message is clear, concise, and strikes the right balance of asking for something without being short or rude.
2. Video calls are an important way to connect. Especially when I'm at a new job, I will often set up time with those I will be working with to introduce myself and for us to get to know each other on a personal and professional level. That can help a lot in everyone seeing each other as human beings encountering the same challenges and opportunities and being in it together.
3. In meetings, it's important to have your video on (if possible or if you're comfortable with that) so that other participants can see where you're at and how you're reacting. It's also important to prepare for every meeting that you'll be in so that you can contribute your questions and expertise. Knowing when to speak and when to hold off and see how things go is something you will learn over time, but it's a very valuable skill to have.
I hope all of this helps and best of luck!
Anthony Peruchietti
Technology-Software Delivery
6
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
I think about Technology leadership in 3 ways- People, Process and Technology...leadership in this space requires a blend of focus in these 3 areas.
Focus on putting people in the right roles based on their skill and what they can offer to a team and empower those team members to own their technology. Create a well defined process that is repeatable for the team to follow and succeed with, of course get their input on what that looks like. Good quality technology will be a result of good people and process.
Focus on putting people in the right roles based on their skill and what they can offer to a team and empower those team members to own their technology. Create a well defined process that is repeatable for the team to follow and succeed with, of course get their input on what that looks like. Good quality technology will be a result of good people and process.
James (AJ) Ureel
Software Engineering Team Leader
7
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
James (AJ)’s Answer
Creating a safe working environment where team members are connected and empathetic is a key role of a leader. Team members who feel safe to share their thoughts and ideas will be more collaborative and productive.
How the leader creates that environment can vary greatly. If the company or organization has a strong culture, that can serve as a foundation for a leader to build expectations, processes, and tools. Set communication expectations such as turning on cameras during conference calls. Give feedback and be open to feedback. Empower the team to define effective communication as part of a Team Working Agreement. Build trust and lead by example.
Ensure the team has clear roles, expectations, duties, and deliverables
Facilitate a team session to create a Team Working Agreement
Hold regular team retrospective or inspect & adapt sessions
Lead by example (ie. if you expect your team to be on camera or use technology communications in a certain way, then you need to model this behavior)
Evaluate your tools; if they hinder communication or collaboration, replace them
How the leader creates that environment can vary greatly. If the company or organization has a strong culture, that can serve as a foundation for a leader to build expectations, processes, and tools. Set communication expectations such as turning on cameras during conference calls. Give feedback and be open to feedback. Empower the team to define effective communication as part of a Team Working Agreement. Build trust and lead by example.
James (AJ) recommends the following next steps:
Evelyn Barboza Jimenez
Business planner and people lead
2
Answers
Heredia, Heredia Province, Costa Rica
Updated
Evelyn’s Answer
Hi, for me, it's all about genuine and real human interaction. In remote settings, like video calls, it's important to be fully present when talking to others. Listen actively, and show you care by understanding and acknowledging their feelings. Ask how they are doing, what worries them, and how you can assist.
Soraya Martinez
Project Manager
2
Answers
Guadalajara
Updated
Soraya’s Answer
Leading with empathy means prioritizing understanding, compassion, and genuine connection in your interactions.
It requires listening deeply, acknowledge other's feelings and concerns and responding in ways that build trust and respect.
Empathy in leadership fosters stronger relationships, boost morale, and drives collaboration.
It requires listening deeply, acknowledge other's feelings and concerns and responding in ways that build trust and respect.
Empathy in leadership fosters stronger relationships, boost morale, and drives collaboration.
Oleg Kushnerov
Construction Project Manager
8
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Oleg’s Answer
Live video.
Not much more you can remotely do other than look at a person.
Not much more you can remotely do other than look at a person.
Marina Cutaia Bonilla, CSM
Project Manager
3
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Marina’s Answer
While we can't control how technology evolves, we can focus on connecting with our audience in meaningful ways. Pay attention to their preferences, whether they like phone calls or texting. Technology can help you succeed, so use it as a tool. Always treat others kindly and remember to concentrate on what you can control.
Ray Joshi
Project Manager
2
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Ray’s Answer
Hello,
Your question shows great insight and is forward-thinking! Here are some friendly tips:
- Choose technology wisely. Use the right tools for the right reasons, not just because they are new.
- Build a culture of meaningful connections. Regular face-to-face or virtual meetings can help.
- Be open about your own challenges. Sharing your experiences and learnings can make others feel safe to open up too.
- Show empathy in your communication. Use video calls for sensitive topics like performance reviews, personal challenges or tough feedback.
Hope this helps! Remember, being a successful leader means using technology in a friendly and helpful way. Don't rely only on tools for team connections, and be thoughtful about new AI tools. Encourage feedback so everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas and suggestions irrespective of how it is conveyed.
Wishing you the best for the future!
Your question shows great insight and is forward-thinking! Here are some friendly tips:
- Choose technology wisely. Use the right tools for the right reasons, not just because they are new.
- Build a culture of meaningful connections. Regular face-to-face or virtual meetings can help.
- Be open about your own challenges. Sharing your experiences and learnings can make others feel safe to open up too.
- Show empathy in your communication. Use video calls for sensitive topics like performance reviews, personal challenges or tough feedback.
Hope this helps! Remember, being a successful leader means using technology in a friendly and helpful way. Don't rely only on tools for team connections, and be thoughtful about new AI tools. Encourage feedback so everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas and suggestions irrespective of how it is conveyed.
Wishing you the best for the future!
Desirae Scruggs
Finance Consultant
5
Answers
Richmond, Virginia
Updated
Desirae’s Answer
I really appreciate this question! I'm a strong supporter of sensitivity training, and I've received great feedback from colleagues and team members about my leadership. I credit this to the sensitivity training I took in college. If you already value inclusion and empathy, you're likely on the right track.
Here are a few techniques I use:
1. I make sure my team feels comfortable. Sometimes this means letting them keep their cameras off and just chatting for the first 5-10 minutes before starting work.
2. I always ask my team about their current workload before assigning tasks. I want to ensure no one feels overwhelmed or unprepared. This approach shows you care about them. Everyone knows the work needs to be done, but no one wants to feel forced or alone, especially when they have too much on their plate.
Here are a few techniques I use:
1. I make sure my team feels comfortable. Sometimes this means letting them keep their cameras off and just chatting for the first 5-10 minutes before starting work.
2. I always ask my team about their current workload before assigning tasks. I want to ensure no one feels overwhelmed or unprepared. This approach shows you care about them. Everyone knows the work needs to be done, but no one wants to feel forced or alone, especially when they have too much on their plate.