An exploration of disagreement and nuance

I had a few other topics I was going to write about today:

“How to think about subconscious bias from a game of Among Us Live”?

“The importance of non-screen hobbies”?

"Why are sometimes questions more important than answers?”?

And then I logged into LinkedIn and saw a pretty divisive post. One which essentially stated that to be professional, you either had to work from a home office or from the office. Apparently people's intellect, motivation, and expertise fall apart while in more scenic locations such as a pool, beach, or perhaps even a public cafe.

And as I read this, sitting outside in the backyard of communal Coliving space, I got frustrated enough to write. Not because I disagree with this person’s opinion (which, yeah, is also true). Not because I have in fact worked in beach bars (and let's clarify here, not the beach, because the importance of shade, a table, and avoidance of sand makes for a completely different experience) and have taken walking meetings through the park. No, it was not because I felt a teeny-bit attacked, but rather the limiting belief that one opinion is the only way forward.?

And if you know me, you know I love some nuance. So, let’s break down what exactly it was that triggered my emotional response:

It is very this or that

The author’s preference is center stage, while ignoring other work styles. Time and time again, on LinkedIn and other mediums, I continue to see a two-sided debate. Should we work remotely or return to the office? And a focus on the wrong thing, ahem... remote work is so much more than a reduction of a commute. And work happens in meetings, and also when completely autonomous and asynchronous.?

It is no longer about that question or that narrative. Where you work is not a multiple choice, right or wrong answer. Instead, why can't we look at it as a menu of options and then consider the nuances?

Yes, shared expectations are still important. Certain conversational topics do need a level of discretion and privacy that only a private space allows, others may benefit from the creative influence of being out in the world. Having a strong WiFi network is non-negotiable, but sometimes that does not even happen at home. The caveat here is that those expectations and those norms need to be explicit to work.

All in all, I believe what is professional and expected of you in one company or while interacting with one person may be different with another. It is why intentional culture with remote work is so important. So, what would I recommend??

Do's and Don'ts for Remote Working

1. DO define and break down the definition of work and set explicit expectations. What are the activities to be done, and what are the expectations for where, when, and how your team might approach these activities? Treat each use case separately and recognize where there are more or less constraints and formality needed.
2. DO celebrate variety! Knowing the different activities involved to achieve various goals, embrace options to execute on those accordingly. For example, creative brainstorming might happen by wandering through an art museum, you may write an article from a bustling cafe, a stakeholder presentation might have a video conference where it is required to be in a quiet and focused environment, and a casual check-in between manager and employee might be an audio-only call while enjoying some fresh air.
3. DON'T be that person. If you do choose to work remotely in a public space, make sure you are being considerate. Don't take calls from crowded public places; try and find a more respectful place for a meeting. Don't overstay your welcome; if at a cafe or other establishment, pay your way and set a good example (plus fuel in the form of cakes and coffees can do a lot for sparking innovation!)
4. DO consider HR, IT, and other policies, and be aware. Use that VPN, keep confidential stuff confidential, and safeguard yourself for more location flexibility.
5. DO be open-minded in having your beliefs challenged, that what might work for you won’t work for everyone.

As work norms continue to evolve, don't ask yourself, "Home office or that commute?" but instead ask, "How can I foster an environment where I can achieve my outcomes in a respectful* way that considers the expectations** of stakeholders?"

*Ensuring you define respect based on geographical and company culture

** Once those expectations are clearly communicated

The nuance lies in that answer...

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