A few weeks ago, someone on our team welcomed a new hire in Slack with this message:
“I can’t wait to meet you… for real.”
It was kind and heartfelt.
But those last two words stuck with me.
“For real.”
It revealed something subtle, but important — a mindset that many remote teams unknowingly carry:
That virtual relationships are placeholders for something more real.
That we’re somehow “not quite a team” until we’re physically in the same room.
Let’s be clear: There is something special about meeting someone in person.
Shared meals. Side conversations. That easy rhythm you only get face-to-face.
But let’s also be clear about this:
The person you Zoom with every day, swap Slack jokes with, co-own deadlines with, and trust with your work?
That relationship is real. The work is real. And the connection is worth honoring as such.
When we fail to recognize that, these 3 silent killers start to creep in:
1. Minimizing Language
We say things like “meet you for real” or “real life friends” as if what we’ve built isn’t valid. That undermines the connection — for both parties.
💡 Try this instead: “I hope to hang out in person someday — but already so glad we’re teammates!”
2. Delayed Belonging
Don’t wait for some future in-person meeting to begin collaborating and honoring one-another. If someone joins your team, they belong now. Remote culture requires immediate inclusion, not postponed connection.
💡 Simple habits like tagging someone publicly, celebrating wins, or sharing voice memos can speed up trust dramatically.
3. Relationship Amnesia
It’s easy to forget your teammates when you don’t pass them in the hallway. But out of sight shouldn’t mean out of mind. High-performing teams make visibility and feedback a priority — even from a distance.
💡 Be proactive. Send the encouragement. Say the thank you. Give the update.
Remote is real.
Let’s stop talking like it’s less-than.
Because when your team believes that distance doesn’t diminish value —
They show up like it matters. Because it does.
Micah Foster, Co-Owner
Micah Foster is a partner at Dream Support LLC who has been providing remote executive assistants to busy leaders who need administrative and organizational help for over five years.
He has a passion for creating and maintaining positive and productive work environments and empowering people to reach their full potential.