You’re struggling to collaborate with remote colleagues. Can mobile technology help?

The best app is the one that works for your specific team and workflow. For quick updates, questions, or just general team chatter, we rely heavily on a communication app. It allows us to chat individually or in groups, share files, and even make video calls if needed. It's like having a central nervous system for the team, keeping everyone connected.

Tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams enable seamless messaging and video calls, keeping everyone connected regardless of location. Project management apps such as Asana or Trello help organize tasks, deadlines, and updates in a centralized platform, making it easy to track progress and maintain productivity. Additionally, cloud-based file-sharing services like Google Drive or Dropbox ensure that all team members have access to the necessary documents and resources in real-time, facilitating smoother collaboration and faster decision-making.

In my experience, mobile technology plays a key role in establishing and then maintaining a continuous communication between the team members, however, selecting the right apps which are easy to use, are accessible(can run on basic phones and technology) and can integrate easily with daily tasks of the teams are important. If the app is not user friendly, it will further create a communication barrier.

Thanks to my IT experience, mobile collaboration technology is very flexible and at the door, This makes the work and collaboration more Adapted and facilitates the resolution of communication problems between team members since you can not always have your computers at hand every time. which will impose the choice of best applications to arrive has a good productivity of the group.

Creating a team charter, or just creating a list of expectations can avoid miscommunications. Start with a simple, low tech exercise to gather what everyone expects and/or needs by answering two questions related to collaborative meetings or communication channels: 1) It 'burns my butt' when... 2) One thing you should know about me is... Obviously, you can adjust the wording, but following this team facilitation procedure has proven to be a very successful part of my experiences in team development, collaboration, and communication expectations- whether in person or remote.

Utilizing mobile project management apps like Asana or Trello can help define roles, responsibilities, and deadlines in an accessible and transparent manner. These apps send notifications and updates directly to your phone, ensuring that all team members are aware of their tasks and timelines, reducing misunderstandings and keeping projects on track. Furthermore, mobile communication tools such as Slack or Microsoft Teams allow for instant feedback and regular check-ins, fostering a culture of openness and accountability. By leveraging mobile technology to set and manage expectations clearly, you can improve coordination, enhance productivity, and maintain a cohesive team dynamic, even when working remotely.

In my experience as a manager, each of my direct reports had different needs from me. And each of them needed time with just me, to bounce ideas off of, get clarity on their work, or just to vent about something that might not even be work related. I paid attention, and encouraged them to reach out to me in the way they felt more comfortable. Some chose email, some texted me, some used our internal communications app, and some called me directly. By remaining flexible in my communications with them, I was able to be a better boss, and more importantly, a better mentor for them.

With mobile devices and apps, you can quickly respond to messages, join video calls, and access shared documents from anywhere, enabling real-time collaboration that keeps you connected with your team. Apps like Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Google Workspace are designed to integrate seamlessly across devices, ensuring that you can move from desktop to mobile without losing your workflow. Being flexible and adaptable with mobile technology allows you to tailor your work environment to suit various situations, whether you're working from home, a coffee shop, or while traveling. This adaptability is key in maintaining productivity and ensuring effective communication across dispersed teams.

I have a remote team of 15 in 3 countries. We use different ways to help us work together more smoothly. One of my favorite ways is to use video conference app. We use them for quick check-ins or brainstorming sessions. Sometimes a five-minute face-to-face chat can clear up confusion way faster than a long email chain.

De acuerdo a mi experiencia, debemos estar conectados y atentos a quien requiera apoyo, mantener la comunicacion a traves del correo y chats corporativos.

On the one hand, I think mobile tech can be a lifesaver for staying connected and getting things done on the go. But on the other hand, it can definitely blur the lines between work and personal life. For me, setting boundaries has been key. I try to stick to specific work hours and avoid checking work stuff outside of that time. It's not always perfect, but it helps me recharge and come back to things feeling refreshed.

Making time for yourself to recharge- however that works for you- can be scheduled into your day. Actually taking that time & not pushing it to the side is just as important. Stick with it b/c you cannot be your best self if you're mentally or physically exhausted.

To maintain a healthy work-life balance, you can set boundaries by scheduling specific times for work communications and utilizing 'do not disturb' features during personal time. This way, mobile technology not only enhances your ability to collaborate remotely but also supports a balanced approach to managing professional and personal time.