Platinum Author
So many organizations have remote teams, multiple locations or employees working virtually these days. It seemed time to write an article on how to make working remotely work. I want to state right up front that I have zero knowledge of the technology needed or what kinds of processes or procedures remote workers require. What I do know is that for individuals or teams who work remotely to be effective, top-notch business communication skills are required for everyone. All the technology in the world won't make up for ineffective or poor communication skills.
In fact, top-notch business communication skills are more critical when working remotely than if everyone is in the same location. Remotely you don't have the advantage of body language, of catching someone in the hall to ask a quick question, of popping into someone's office for quick conversation or to show them progress or get their opinion. When employees work remotely, every communication is via the phone, Skype, IM or email. We all know how easily email can be misinterpreted or misread. And I know many people who do not enjoy long phone conversations, which means that the communication with people working remotely is often truncated, leaving key points unclear or misunderstood. Add into the equation multiple people in multiple locations, plus the need for everyone's listening skills to be heightened, and the typical challenges we all have with communication, and you have a recipe for problems to arise.
Making working remotely work simply requires everyone's business communication skills to improve. There is no getting around this. Some quick tips are:
a) listen intently to what is being said;
b) do NOT multi-task while on the telephone;
c) ask questions to make sure you understand what is being said;
d) confirm the other party's understanding;
e) follow up conversations with a quick email outlining key points;
f) when writing emails make sure your message is crystal clear, and
g) have periodic check-ins to make sure everything is on track.
Of course, these are the same skills you should use in all communications. And as Emeril says, "Bump it up" to make working remotely work.
About this Author
Linda Finkle, CEO of INCEDO GROUP, works with innovative leaders around the world who understand that business needs a new organizational growth style. These innovative leaders know that powerful cross-functional communication is the highest priority and the strongest strategy for building organizational effectiveness. To find out more, visit: http://www.IncedoGroup.com
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