How can you communicate effectively in remote and hybrid models?

2 Set clear expectations

Another key to communicate effectively in remote and hybrid models is to set clear expectations with your colleagues, managers, clients, and stakeholders. Setting clear expectations means defining the scope, timeline, deliverables, roles, and responsibilities of your projects and tasks, as well as the communication frequency, channels, and protocols. For example, you should agree on how often and when you will communicate, what tools you will use, what information you will share, and how you will provide and receive feedback. Setting clear expectations helps to avoid misunderstandings, confusion, delays, and conflicts, and to ensure alignment and accountability.

3 Be respectful and inclusive

A third tip to communicate effectively in remote and hybrid models is to be respectful and inclusive of your communication partners. Being respectful and inclusive means acknowledging and appreciating the diversity of backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and preferences of your remote and hybrid team members, and adapting your communication style and tone accordingly. For example, you should be mindful of the time zones, holidays, and working hours of your colleagues, and avoid scheduling meetings or sending messages at inconvenient times. You should also use inclusive language, avoid jargon and slang, and express your opinions and emotions with tact and empathy. Being respectful and inclusive helps to build trust, rapport, and engagement.

4 Communicate with purpose

A fourth tip to communicate effectively in remote and hybrid models is to communicate with purpose. Communicating with purpose means having a clear and specific reason for each communication, and ensuring that your message is relevant, concise, and actionable. For example, you should avoid sending unnecessary or redundant messages, and instead focus on the main points, facts, and outcomes of your communication. You should also use clear and simple language, avoid ambiguity and assumptions, and provide context and examples to support your message. Communicating with purpose helps to save time, reduce noise, and increase clarity.

5 Seek feedback and collaboration

A fifth tip to communicate effectively in remote and hybrid models is to seek feedback and collaboration. Seeking feedback and collaboration means soliciting and offering constructive and timely input, suggestions, and support for your work and performance, and engaging in dialogue and exchange of ideas with your communication partners. For example, you should ask for and give feedback regularly, and use it to improve your work and communication. You should also seek and share information, resources, and best practices, and invite and participate in brainstorming and problem-solving sessions. Seeking feedback and collaboration helps to enhance your skills, knowledge, and creativity, and to foster a culture of learning and innovation.

6 Balance synchronous and asynchronous communication

A sixth tip to communicate effectively in remote and hybrid models is to balance synchronous and asynchronous communication. Synchronous communication is when you communicate in real time, such as in a phone call or a video meeting. Asynchronous communication is when you communicate without an immediate response, such as in an email or a chat message. Both types of communication have their benefits and drawbacks, depending on the situation, urgency, and complexity of your communication. For example, synchronous communication is good for building relationships, resolving issues, and making decisions, while asynchronous communication is good for sharing information, documenting work, and allowing flexibility. You should balance the use of synchronous and asynchronous communication, and choose the most appropriate and effective method for each communication.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?