How to Collaborate Effectively If Your Team Works Remotely (The Explainer)

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0:55While it may be astounding that we can have a virtual meeting with people on different continents, it can also be frustrating. And these frustrations can affect morale, engagement, productivity and innovation. When changes in the ways we communicate lead to changes in how others perceive our communications, this calls for a new set of protocols and behaviours. Authors Erika Dewan and Tomas Chamorro-Pramusic have a few rules of thumb for communicating with remote teams. First, since clarity and consistency are key, sticking to a set of agreed-upon norms can help avoid confusion. This could range from a set of acronyms about expected response times to standardising use of particular communication platforms.

1:45Next, remember that you can never be too clear. Unless you've established a shorthand protocol ahead of time, don't assume others understand your brevity. Take the extra time to be extra clear, regardless of the medium. Third, don't bombard your team with messages. Each time you email, text or call, imagine that you are physically walking into your colleague's workspace. If you followed up an email by text and phone, it would be like opening their office door three times in a row. Minimize your digital volume and think wisely before hitting send. Fourth, notice that team members who are more introverted in person can really benefit from written communications.

2:29Physical barriers can actually level the playing field for those who may be less inclined to speak in group settings. Lastly, find ways to celebrate and socialise remotely to strengthen relationships between team members and improve collaboration. Even a simple switch from conference calls to video, for instance, can boost rapport and create empathy. The challenges of remote teams will not disappear, but creating consistent rules, rituals and protocols will go a long way in building a new communication skill set.

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