Asynchronous Communication: A Game-Changer for Efficiency and Team Collaboration
A friend who has successfully grown an international professional services firm is a big advocate of Asynchronous Communication, primarily using Loom for their main form of communication. Initially, as a people person, I wanted a live conversation. However now 8 months into growing a professional services firm myself, I realise the amazing power and ability this has to improve efficiency and enable a better way of working.
Leading a team across diverse regions and time zones, working varied hours, and with a focus on productivity and efficiency, I have wholeheartedly embraced and incorporated this communication style into my work routine
Having working in national and international organisations for my entire career I see thing like loom can change the way we work, enabling more people to operate efficiently and leaders to be enabled to have thinking time and reduce burnout. I see how this could change the game for others, especially in Architecture, Design and Engineering.
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What is Asynchronous Communication
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Asynchronous communication refers to communication that doesn't happen in real time. Instead, people can record messages, replies, reviews and at their convenience.
What this practically means is instead of setting up a review meeting, someone waiting for you to log in – meet, and go through things you can simply send a video or video with a screen share going through the document, drawing, workflow, review of candidates or anything really and send it off. It is great for training, we are currently working on some BIM roles and I could see this being a great tool for such teams to use.
It is a great tool for teams working on things but enables people to send off questions or reviews at times they can be in focus enabling people to manage their time and head space. What I also love is that I can listen to it on speed, so if I can listen to it at 2x or 2.5x time and save myself time and use a tool like loom reply at any point in the recording.
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Efficiency Unleashed: Why It Works
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1. Flexibility in Schedules:
Asynchronous communication liberates individuals from the constraints of time zones and rigid schedules. Team members can contribute and consume information at their own pace, allowing for a more harmonious work-life balance.
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2. Enhanced Clarity Through Visuals:
Video recordings enable communicators to convey messages with unparalleled clarity. The visual element allows for facial expressions and gestures, facilitating a deeper understanding of complex concepts compared to text-based communication.
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3. Empowerment in Hybrid Work Environments:
In the era of hybrid work, asynchronous communication is a lifeline. Team members scattered across various locations and time zones can collaborate seamlessly without the need for everyone to be online simultaneously.
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4. Streamlined Decision-Making for Professionals:
In fields like architecture and engineering, asynchronous communication is a beacon of efficiency. Video recordings allow professionals to review drawings, provide insight or solutions to team members and talk through challenges. Its keeps the design process moving faster. Just like being in the office and multiple can review and collaborate at once, so other senior people or team members can answer with solutions quicker expediting the design and decision-making processes.
?5. Time-Saving and Productivity Boost:
Leaders collaborating with dispersed teams find a notable reduction in time spent on communication. By recording messages at their convenience, they create a more deliberate and thoughtful approach, leading to increased productivity and minimized interruptions.
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Embracing Asynchronous Communication:
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1. Liberty in Communication:
By adopting asynchronous communication, leaders empower their teams to communicate effectively without the constraints of real-time interaction. This freedom encourages autonomy and self-expression.
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2. Fostering Trust and Accountability:
The shift towards asynchronous communication nurtures a culture of trust and accountability. Team members are entrusted to manage their time efficiently, fostering a sense of responsibility.
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3. Improved Work-Life Integration:
Asynchronous communication contributes to a healthier work-life integration by allowing individuals to engage with work-related tasks at times that suit their personal productivity peaks.
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Tools to consider
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1. Loom:
A versatile video messaging tool, Loom allows for quick and personalized communication. Its ease of use and integration make it a go-to choice for asynchronous communication, offering the benefits of both visual and verbal expression.
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2. Video Recording Platforms:
Platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams now offer features for asynchronous communication. The ability to record meetings or messages provides flexibility for team members to engage with the content at their convenience.
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3. Messaging Apps with Voice Notes:
Traditional messaging apps like Slack or Microsoft Teams also support asynchronous communication through voice notes. This allows for quick updates or clarifications without the need for real-time interaction.
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Get on it – it is part of the future of work
This is something I believe everyone should start using. your productivity will increase, and your connection will increase (as you can see the face and the review at the same time) so there is no loss of tone as happened in emails. It will save you hours in writing detailed emails that can be lost in translation. No joke – Architectural, Design and Engineering leaders – this is something you need to start incorporating.
Welcome to the modern way of working.
Interesting angle, and insightful tips to use the tools already out there in a creative, efficient way. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Cybersecurity Program Manager | CRISC | CISA | AgilePM
1 年So good, Seton. I read this last night. Today I had a bunch of important meetings planned but, with a few absences, the team is stretched. I've cancelled the meetings and gone asynchronous. Hope you're well :)
Strategic Communications | Problem-Solver & Storyteller | Investor Relations | ESG Strategy | Sustainability
1 年Hi Seton, a very informative read. In my experience, asynchronous communication can transform team dynamics, especially for teams spread across different regions. I view it as a flexible conversation where each member contributes at their convenience. It's the cornerstone of remote collaboration, enabling team members to participate when they feel most ready, leading to deeper, more thoughtful discussions. However, I learned an important lesson: it's truly effective only with a deadline. Without a clear end point, conversations could extend endlessly. Setting firm deadlines ensures everyone stays on course, preventing this adaptable communication style from turning into an endless cycle. So, while asynchronous communication is great for bridging time zones and varied work styles, it’s the deadlines that keep everything running smoothly.
Founder Bean Ninjas | Head of Accounting at TeamUp | Investor | Podcaster
1 年Nicely said Seton! I'm a huge fan of asynchronous communication. I think there are some disadvantages but in my experience the pros significantly outway the cons. It is easier to get into a 'maker' schedule where you can focus on deep work and solving hard problems without a calendar full of meetings. I find it also results in more thoughtful communication as people think through what they're going to say before recording a 5-minute loom (the same thing could take 30 minutes on a call).
Chief CX Analyst, Consulting Editor, Global Mentor, Co-founder, Director, TechSoup India Chapter Host, Storyteller, Enterprise Technology, Journalist
1 年Well said. Asynchronous communication, while highly efficient and convenient in many ways, does have some potential loopholes or drawbacks: 1. Misinterpretation: Without real-time feedback and non-verbal cues like tone of voice or body language, there's a higher risk of misinterpreting messages. 2. Delayed Response: Since responses are not immediate, there can be delays in receiving important information or feedback. 3. Lack of Clarity: Messages may lack clarity or context, especially if they are brief or poorly written. 4. Loss of Spontaneity: Lacks the spontaneity and fluidity of real-time interactions. 5. Difficulty in Building Rapport: Building rapport and fostering a sense of camaraderie among team members or collaborators may be more challenging. 6. Over-reliance on Written Communication: It predominantly relies on written messages. 7. Potential for Information Overload: There's a risk of information overload. 8. Security and Privacy Concerns: Susceptible to security breaches or privacy violations. Despite these loopholes, asynchronous communication remains a valuable tool for remote teams, distributed collaborations, and global connectivity. My views.