The Covid-19 pandemic has undoubtedly changed every aspect of our lives, including how we live and do business. Before the pandemic, we were accustomed to being shoulder to shoulder and face to face, with no masks or social distancing. However, when the pandemic hit, everything changed.

We went from a bustling and bustling culture that thrived on close quarters to a distant one, where remote collaborations became the norm. Offices that once held a multitude of people now stood empty, as the call was for everyone to stay safe by staying home. The world stood still as officials shut down everything.

But even as we stayed home to mitigate the spread of the illness, we still needed to make a living. Bills didn’t disappear, and food still had to be purchased. This need for survival gave rise to remote workers and remote collaborations, which allowed businesses to stay afloat and people to remain employed. Companies quickly discovered the advantages of using remote collaboration to expand despite the unfortunate circumstances.

One of the key components of effective remote collaboration is setting communication norms. It’s essential to establish these norms before starting any project together. Without clear communication norms, communication can either become overwhelming or non-existent. As a leader, it’s crucial to set up systems and structures that determine how your team will communicate, which channels they will use, and how often they should be in regular communication with you and each other.

Another important aspect of communication in remote collaboration is the distinction between brief and clear communications. While brevity is essential, the main goal should always be clarity. Teams that are clear communicators are the ones that achieve high levels of success.

Additionally, it’s important not to bombard your team with messages. There is both a science and an art to communication, and it’s crucial to develop self-awareness of when your messages may be more distracting than helpful.

Finding hidden opportunities within written communications can also greatly enhance remote collaboration. When you demonstrate that you value your team’s time, they will value the collaboration. Look for opportunities to replace unnecessary meetings with emails or messages that convey the same information. Also, make sure to celebrate the team’s achievements and milestones. When you celebrate people, they are more likely to stay engaged and committed to the team.

In addition to setting communication norms, there are practical strategies that can make remote collaboration more effective. Creating a routine around communication is crucial to keep the team connected and accountable. This routine can include daily huddles, weekly team meetings, and monthly info sessions. The key is to establish a regular meeting schedule and stick to it.

Using common tools for remote collaboration is also essential. Technology plays a crucial role in remote work, and it’s important to address the specific tools and software that each team member will need. This can include video conferencing software, task management apps, communication apps, headphones, monitors, remote desktop software, antivirus apps, password management apps, cloud storage, and office suites. It’s crucial to ensure that everyone is using the same programs to minimize miscommunication.

Finally, navigating through expectations is essential for successful remote collaboration. Expectations should be clearly communicated and understood by all team members. It’s important to be realistic and specific in defining expectations. Unclear expectations can lead to confusion, insecurity, and ineffectiveness. By outlining expectations early on and openly discussing them as a team, you can ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals.

In conclusion, the Covid-19 pandemic has forced us to adapt and find new ways to live and do business. Remote collaboration has become the new norm, and it’s essential to set communication norms, use the right tools, and navigate through expectations for effective collaboration. By embracing these principles, businesses can thrive even in challenging times and individuals can continue to make a living while staying safe.