5 Ways to Effectively Communicate With Your Remote Team
Working remotely has shifted the ways teams communicate with one another. Looking at the future of work, teams will either be 100 percent remote or work within a hybrid model. Since in-person communication has decreased significantly, teams have had to talk with one another through chat, phone calls, and video conferencing.
While chatting with a co-worker may be the most convenient way to communicate, it can easily be misinterpreted. If you're finding that you and your team miscommunicate often, then here are five ways to improve how you communicate with your remote team.
Evaluate what your team needs.
Every team is different and there is no one-size-fits-all method to communicate. Working remotely has shifted the main model in which teams communicate. While in the past you were able to talk with your team in-person, today, chatting has become the main method. Determining where your team can improve communication-wise can help you figure out the right tools needed to help your team be successful.
Come up with a communication plan.
Collaborate with your team on the best ways to communicate, ideas, goals, tasks, and objectives. Sending a direct message to your team or teammate may be the fastest way, but for things like discussing your plan for the week or a new project is something that would best be done over video chat because it decreases the potential for your team to misinterpret what you're getting across. It's also faster to receive questions and feedback. Relaying to your team the best form of communication for different topics can help minimize confusion and ensure that messages are getting across correctly.
Ask clarifying questions.
Don't be afraid to ask questions, especially over chat. If you're not understanding something or are confused, then asking teammates to clarify is the best way to keep things running smoothly. It's better to over-communicate online than to under-communicate.
Take advantage of morning meetings.
You should try to connect with your team at least once a week over video. Having a morning meeting is the best way to communicate objectives, goals, and celebrate successes. It also provides a space for you and your team to bond with one another and see each other face-to-face rather than just over chat.
Create a virtual "water cooler."
Now that you're spending more time at home, seeing people outside of your house is not as common as when you worked in the office. By creating a virtual "water cooler," you can improve how you communicate with your remote team by providing a space where they can connect with one another to discuss non-work-related topics. This is especially important when new employees join your team. Having this space will prevent work from home loneliness and allow them to meet with the team and form connections.
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