While online meetings allow you to communicate with people all over the world, it can get very frustrating, very fast. From poor internet, to malfunctioning webcams, to the devastating mute button, many things can and will go wrong during your meeting that can hurt team performance and motivation. The question ultimately becomes, how can I effectively collaborate remotely with my team?
Effectively Collaborate Remotely With Your Team by Setting Norms
The key to a successful and productive meeting is to be consistent, clear, and concise. Going into a meeting not knowing certain communication forms, documents needed, and proper etiquette can hinder productivity significantly. By sticking to a set of rules and norms for each meeting can eliminate most confusion between colleagues around the world. Acronyms are a major factor in eliminating this confusion, because it allows for speedy communication on topics that require a lot of typing and thought.
Stop Spamming Messages
It can be very easy to call or send texts and emails that basically cover the same topic from different angles. Instead, imagine each time you are sending a text or email you are physically walking up to that person in the office to talk to them. This will force you to relax a bit on follow-up texts or emails after a very lengthy phone call.
Emphasize Written Communication for Quality Collaboration Remotely
With all the physical barriers in place and the lack of access to the office building, it may actually be a good time for the more introverted people in the workplace to open up. Writing emails and sending text messages are a great way to include and foster the growth of these individuals who now do not have to stress about face-to-face meetings.
Celebrate!
All the hard work you do with your team every day should not be brushed under the table. You and your colleagues should take the time to set up virtual social events to increase morale and strengthen rapport. It will be extremely beneficial, and you will be able to see the results in person when the workplace opens up again.
Questions for you to think about and discuss in comments:
- Which are the best communication platforms to use?
- What are the best times to meet if working globally?
- What are some norms you came up with that helped with collaboration?
