Communication

​

1. Overcommunicate. If you question whether your colleague will want to know something, share it.

2. Managers, tell your team how they can reach you. If you manage people, be clear with them about any new or different communication and productivity expectations you have now that your team is working remotely. 

3. Tell your team when they can reach you. The more guidance and boundaries you provide, the fewer misunderstandings will occur and the more smoothly work can stay on track. 

4. Make sure to clarify expectations for your team. Don't let people make assumptions about anything that's unclear -- answer those questions.

5. Note your project progress. Remote workers need to be especially proactive and alert colleagues to progress on longer-term goals.

6. Resolve issues quickly with a phone call. Email, text, IM, Slack, and other written methods of communication are prone to misunderstandings. 

7. Promptly return emails, calls, and voice mails. If a teammate is being too pushy when it comes to replies, have a direct conversation about expectations and timelines.

8.  Keep up more casual communication habits. Even when at home, you should confirm receipt of messages and check in with people when you start your day and end your day. 

9. Create a system for sharing documents. If you don't already, now would be a good time to consider Google Docs, Box, or Dropbox to share files. Don't scatter team files across email, Google Docs, and your personal hard drive. Consolidate.

​