7 answers
Anaiya
Student
Kettering, Ohio
1
Question
Updated
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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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7 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.
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:
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!
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.