Remote requires communicating more, less frequently

[benbalter]

Async involves less frequent, but richer communication. Less time talking about the work and mroe time doing it. Optimize for flow.

[benbalter]

Title: Remote work requires communicating more, less frequently

Subtitle: How asynchronous communication enables richer conversations and more flow

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Remote work is not simply a matter of replicating the office environment online. It requires a different mindset and approach to communication, collaboration, and productivity. One of the key shifts that remote workers need to make is to communicate more, less frequently.

What does that mean? It means that instead of relying on constant, synchronous, and often shallow interactions, such as chat messages, phone calls, or video meetings, remote workers should embrace asynchronous, and often deeper, forms of communication, such as long-form writing, recorded videos, or thoughtful feedback.

Why is this important? Because asynchronous communication has several benefits for remote work:

• It respects different time zones, schedules, and preferences. Remote workers can communicate when it suits them best, without interrupting or being interrupted by others. This reduces stress, distractions, and misunderstandings.
• It allows for more reflection, research, and synthesis. Remote workers can take the time to think, learn, and create before sharing their ideas, opinions, or solutions. This improves the quality, clarity, and relevance of the communication.
• It fosters more trust, autonomy, and accountability. Remote workers can communicate their expectations, progress, and challenges without micromanagement or oversight. This empowers them to own their work and deliver results.
• It enables more flow. Remote workers can focus on their most important and creative tasks without breaking their concentration or momentum. This enhances their performance, satisfaction, and well-being.

How can remote workers communicate more, less frequently? Here are some tips and best practices:

• Choose the right medium for the message. Remote workers should use the most appropriate and effective form of communication for the purpose, audience, and context. For example, use writing for documenting, explaining, or persuading; use video for demonstrating, teaching, or storytelling; use chat for coordinating, clarifying, or socializing.
• Write clearly, concisely, and comprehensively. Remote workers should write with the reader in mind, using simple language, short sentences, and clear structure. They should also provide enough detail, context, and evidence to support their points, answer potential questions, and avoid ambiguity.
• Record videos with empathy, enthusiasm, and engagement. Remote workers should record videos with a human touch, using eye contact, facial expressions, and voice modulation. They should also keep their videos short, focused, and interactive, using visuals, examples, and questions.
• Give and receive feedback with respect, honesty, and gratitude. Remote workers should give feedback that is specific, constructive, and actionable, using the sandwich method (positive-negative-positive) or the SBI model (situation-behavior-impact). They should also receive feedback with openness, curiosity, and appreciation, using the LARA method (listen-acknowledge-respond-ask).
• Communicate proactively, regularly, and asynchronously. Remote workers should communicate their goals, plans, and updates without waiting for prompts, requests, or deadlines. They should also communicate their availability, boundaries, and preferences without assuming or imposing. They should communicate asynchronously as much as possible, using synchronous communication only for urgent, complex, or sensitive matters.

Remote work requires communicating more, less frequently, because asynchronous communication involves less frequent, but richer communication, meaning there is less time talking about the work and more time doing it, allowing the system to optimize for flow. By following these tips and best practices, remote workers can communicate more effectively, collaborate more efficiently, and work more happily.