Page 8 - NWC Guide on Team Management_ English
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be less elaborate than when speaking in It allows real-time conversations, it can be
person. Also, signs of burnout and other more engaging if used properly, and adds non-
mental issues can go easily unnoticed. verbal elements that are not easily replaceable
in other communication channels. On the
other hand, its use needs advance planning
1.2.2 Practical Application: putting
and mutual agreement between participants.
knowledge into action for real-
world results based on how to Some useful tips:
communicate with and within my
● Do a little research on the available apps
team
and software before making a decision.
By now, most of the companies and employees Free versions might be capped and it is
have explored telecommuting to varying better to know the limitations
degrees, and in doing so, one of the very first beforehand, rather than moving your
issues they usually encounter is choosing whole team once they are acquainted
which tools to use to keep the team with it. Slack, Teams or Google Meet are
connected. Although options are many and more than decent options.
increasing, this decision is often made without ● Try to keep it simple. Avoid using too
further ado, especially in small and medium many channels that could lead to
businesses. However, it is not a minor task. miscommunication and inefficient time
management.
There are 3 ways of communication that have
● Avoid communicating with your team
to be considered: emails, chat and video-calls.
outside working hours or through their
Emails have been around for a long time and
personal devices.
there is very little new to say about them, just
● Make it clear for your team how they are
a reminder that now that we have many
expected to use the tools. You might not
complementary tools, emails can stay for
need a session to explain and your
rather long and relevant pieces of information
example should be enough.
that might be needed in the near future and/or
● Be consistent. Use the tools frequently
don’t require a quick answer, while shorter and
and set up routines. Again, it is not
more immediate exchanges, both formal and
necessary to have it written on paper. You
informal, can be moved to messaging apps.
might start on Monday by sending an
Last but not least, video-calls have seen a boost
email on what are the priorities for the
during the pandemic and they have proved
week ahead or set up weekly online
they are here to stay. Video-calls are a
meetings on a specific day and time.
magnificent tool to create bonds among peers.
● Don’t give up quickly. Allow yourself and
your team some time to test and get used
to the chosen tools.
● Be open to feedback and check regularly
if the channels picked are still meeting
your needs or if it is necessary to look for
alternatives. You may want to do this
every 6 months or annually.
● Pay special attention to the duration of
meetings through video-calls. Keep them
short (under an hour) or plan 15-minute
breaks if they have to exceed that limit.
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