Copy of #RemoteWork | Prezi Video

My training focused on diverse, in-person communication.

Leveraged

Skills

Now I apply these communication skills in a remote format.

Leveraged Skills

Spreading Remote

Sharing with others on the same path to remote

Spreading Remote

The

What

Today

The

What

Asynchronous communication

means you can’t expect immediate responses on Slack, Email, etc.

The Why

The

Why

Remote works best with async communications, and it’s something to implement even if your company is starting/trying remote with everyone in the same time zone.

Remote work allows

for flexibility in working hours, time to support family and friends, and the option to optimize your efforts and skills.

Examples

A team entirely based in the US can builds their working hours around kids’ schedules, appointments, and when they feel most productive

A globally distributed team can work async based on their timezone

Examples

Low Context Communication

Be explicit and avoid confusion

Share direct, elaborate responses and notes

Include links whenever possible

Define Context

Define Context

Without body language, similar experience, or cultures, you end up with low context.

Why Low Context

In these situations, written communication works best.

Why Low Context

Tool Examples

https://slack.com/

https://docs.google.com/

Tool

Examples

https://about.gitlab.com/

https://asana.com/

https://trello.com/

https://prezi.com/video/

In Practice

Using low context lets a team jump right into the 'meat' of an issue or project, instead of getting caught up.

In Practice

Make it Public

Create a space where anyone who needs to know can read, get caught up, and contribute to the discussion, like in a public issue on GitLab or a blog post with open comments.

Make it Public

Uses of Documentation

Gitlab works with a handbook-first mindset, meaning we document as processes are improved, not after it’s all done.

Uses of

Documentation

Handbook-first

means you update your handbook as processes are being improved, not after the fact.

Video

Calls

If you must communicate synchronously,

consider how to document conversations

so that knowledge isn’t lost.

Video

Calls

Ways to Document Video

At GitLab, we all jump in to record notes when we aren’t speaking. Consider this option, or set a designated note taker.

Ways to

Document Video

Record questions and answers

Record and post the call

Remote Work Questions and Misconceptions

Questions and Misconceptions

“I can never focus at home!”

“How do you work at home all day?”

“Do you ever feel isolated?”

Prioritizing team building on a remote team helps combat isolation

Building Team

Building Team Relationships

Examples

Remote Examples

Coffee Chats

Slack Channels

Virtual Happy Hours/Social Calls

Pizza Parties

Visiting Grants

Walking Meetings

meant for

personal sharing:

#random, #dadjokes, #officetoday, #travel

https://about.gitlab.com/blog/2019/10/02/support-virtual-pizza-party/

https://about.gitlab.com/company/culture/all-remote/informal-communication/#coffee-chats

https://about.gitlab.com/company/culture/all-remote/informal-communication/#team-social-calls

https://about.gitlab.com/handbook/incentives/#visiting-grant

1

GitLab Communication handbook section and Remote Manifesto as a guide.

Companies

2

Embrace all-remote work, and demonstrate at the leadership level.

Action Steps for Companies

Action Steps

for Individuals

Adopt low context communication in your job application materials, and interview strategies.

Individuals

Document your journey by writing LinkedIn articles or starting a blog.