How do you manage remote calls when you're busy?

1 Plan ahead

One of the best ways to manage remote calls when you're busy is to plan ahead and schedule them in advance. This way, you can avoid interruptions, conflicts, and last-minute stress. Use a calendar app or tool to keep track of your appointments and set reminders for yourself and the other participants. Confirm the date, time, and agenda of the call with the other party beforehand and send them any relevant documents or information they might need. Also, make sure you have a reliable phone connection, a quiet and comfortable place to talk, and a backup plan in case of technical issues.

2 Be respectful

Another important aspect of phone etiquette for remote work is to be respectful of the other person's time and expectations. Don't make them wait too long or cancel at the last minute without a valid reason. If you're running late or need to reschedule, let them know as soon as possible and apologize for the inconvenience. During the call, be polite, attentive, and professional. Don't multitask, interrupt, or talk over the other person. Listen actively, ask questions, and provide feedback. If you need to take notes, use a pen and paper or a voice recorder instead of typing on your keyboard.

3 Be concise

A third tip on how to manage remote calls when you're busy is to be concise and clear in your communication. Don't waste time on unnecessary details, chit-chat, or tangents. Stick to the main points and objectives of the call and avoid repeating yourself or going off-topic. Use simple and direct language and avoid jargon, slang, or acronyms that might confuse the other person. Summarize the key takeaways and action items at the end of the call and confirm the next steps and deadlines. If you need to follow up with an email, a report, or a document, do it promptly and accurately.

4 Be flexible

A final tip on how to handle remote calls when you're swamped with work is to be flexible and adaptable to different situations and scenarios. Sometimes, you might have to deal with unexpected or urgent calls that require your immediate attention or response. In these cases, you need to prioritize and decide whether to take the call or not, depending on its importance, urgency, and relevance. If you decide to take the call, inform the other person that you have limited time and ask them to get to the point quickly. If you decide not to take the call, send a polite message explaining why you can't talk right now and when you'll be available.

5 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?