What do you do if your remote communication skills are not meeting employer expectations?

The most important aspect of being honest with yourself is ensuring first that you are not being too hard on yourself. Then, attack the issue head on by performing research into how to better approach remote communication. This typically looks like being more proactive and becoming more of a self starter.

First, seek specific feedback from your employer on areas for improvement. This might include clarity in emails, effectiveness in video meetings, or responsiveness. Then, invest time in developing these skills through online courses or workshops focused on remote communication. Practice by engaging more actively in meetings and written communications. Additionally, consider setting up regular check-ins with your team or manager to get ongoing feedback and demonstrate your commitment to improvement. Remember, communication is a skill that can always be enhanced with effort and practice. If you find these suggestions helpful, a like is much appreciated.

Begin with an in-depth self-assessment. Reflect on specific feedback from your employer & identify patterns where misunderstandings or inefficiencies occur. Are your emails misunderstood? Do you struggle to keep up with the pace of virtual meetings? After identifying areas for improvement, seek constructive feedback from trusted colleagues or supervisors. To work things out educate yourself on best practices for remote communication. Improving your remote communication skills requires practice. For e.g. If email clarity was an issue, take time to review & edit your messages before sending them. Use tools (Grammarly etc.) to enhance remote communication. Check-in with yourself regularly on progress & what still needs work.

Reflect on feedback from your employer and identify patterns where misunderstandings or inefficiencies occur. Do you struggle with email clarity or keeping pace in virtual meetings? Acknowledge these weaknesses without defensiveness, viewing them as opportunities for growth rather than criticisms of your performance.

If your employer has expressed concerns about the quality of your remote communication skills, the first step is to honestly assess the validity of those concerns. Objectively reflect on feedback you've received - are there specific areas like timeliness, clarity, or connection that need improvement? Don't get defensive, but rather approach it as an opportunity for professional development. Recognizing and owning the areas that require attention will make you much more receptive to constructive guidance.

Once you've identified areas for improvement in your remote communication skills, seek constructive feedback from trusted colleagues or supervisors. Approach these conversations with an open mind and a willingness to learn, ensuring you understand the specifics of any issues raised. Focus on understanding the 'why' behind the feedback, not just the 'what', to gather actionable insights that will help you communicate more effectively in a remote setting.

Once you've identified the issues, seek out honest, specific feedback from your employer, colleagues, and direct reports. Ask them to provide concrete examples of what isn't working well, and brainstorm together on solutions. Be open to their recommendations for tools, training, or techniques that could enhance your remote communication abilities. Implementing changes based on this external input, rather than just your own assumptions, will demonstrate your commitment to growth and meeting expectations. The more you proactively seek feedback, the better equipped you'll be to enhance your remote communication skills.

Once you've identified the areas needing enhancement, take the initiative to educate yourself on best practices for remote communication. Research strategies for clear writing, video call etiquette, and conveying tone effectively in virtual interactions. Utilize free online resources to guide you through these nuances, demonstrating your commitment to improvement and enhancing your interactions with your team.

To address concerns about remote communication skills, begin by honestly assessing your performance. Reflect on feedback from your employer and pinpoint areas of improvement. Levelling up can include: 1. Seeking specific feedback: from colleagues or supervisors to gather actionable insights. 2. Investing time in self-improvement: in communication, including writing clarity, video call etiquette, and tone. 3: Utilising free online resources: to enhance your skills and demonstrate your commitment to improvement. If your communication is being hampered by failure by employees to take the call, emotional intelligence would say that an email may be best at that time (Ask: Is this person inundated at work?).

Improving your remote communication skills requires consistent practice. Apply what you've learned in your daily interactions—review and edit emails for clarity, practice active listening and clear articulation during video calls, and engage in written communication to convey your thoughts succinctly. With regular practice, these skills will become more natural, leading to noticeable improvements in your remote communication effectiveness.

While not a possibility for every person in every situation, finding a job with an actual office culture is key for young professionals struggling in this area. While many workers transitioned seamlessly from in-person communication to remote communication, the opposite is not true. In-person opportunities are critical. I'm a die-hard remote worker now and it works for me and my family, but I know that the years I spent early in my career developing skills in a traditional office environment were crucial. I think we're only just beginning to see the effects of remote work on this group.