Work Remote Superhero

It’s been less than 2 years since I made the shift from working out of an office daily, to working remote, and what a shift it has been! Additionally, I travel a bunch as a part of my role, visiting partners and clients internationally, and I’ve learned some tricks to what I consider mastering my “work from anywhere” mojo.

I combined my tips and tricks plus added some in that I’ve adapted from peers this week who also work remote.  Check them out here:

1.Efficacious Tools:

• I love love love Microsoft Teams.  It’s my go-to for conference calls, messaging, storing documents I need to re-access in one app.  I can also receive fun GIFs, that brighten even the most Monday-of-Mondays.
• Microsoft LinkedIn.  I use this to connect with people live.  Forget business cards, you can just “find who’s nearby” in your next meetings and instantly be connected.  Also, another great way to keep in touch.
• Old school paper calendar.  Yep, need it.  There’s something about a large paper calendar on top of my desk that helps me remember what day it is when days move really fast!
• Stay active.  Maybe not what you expected, but sitting at a desk all day can make a person feel lazed.  I take a walk or get a workout in during my “lunch” and come back with heaps more energy.  Got to fuel your body!

2. Keep it Personal:

• Use video.  When conference calling, show your face, people are still visual and being on a phone call it’s easy to get distracted without eye to eye engagement
• Brainstorming and creativity sessions.  We lose the hallway conversations and impromptu strategy sessions without being in the same office.  So, just schedule open sessions.  My team does this, and we come up with some of the best ideas this way!
• Remote Coffee chats.  This is one of my favorite things! For a recent de-brief, my colleague and I both showed up on video with our favorite tea or coffee and just chatted through what we did well/how we could improve, in a comfortable casual setting.  SO fun.

3. Communication is Key:

• All calendar invites need agendas of purpose – don’t get me started.
• Capture meetings.  I absolutely appreciate notes following a call, both what was said in a meeting and the next steps
• Be clear.  “Fluff” is the worst, it’s also counter productive. Praise is also important, especially when we are far apart and someone is doing a fantastic job.