Let’s talk about automation for remote work.

Ok ok, you can’t really automate working remotely. But automation is all about efficiency; not wasting cycles on low-impact tasks.

To become efficient at remote work, you must become a better communicator.

So here are three tips for efficient communication!

Tip #1 – Plan ahead

In computing, the CPU schedules tasks to be completed.

When a task is blocked on some other resource like the disk, a context switch can occur.

A context switch is basically the CPU switching to another task instead of waiting for the one to unblock.

This enables the concept of multi-tasking.

Like the CPU, it’s almost guaranteed that you have a lot of tasks to complete.

It’s also guaranteed that you will need to collaborate with others on those tasks.

The number one rule for efficient communication is that you need to plan ahead to avoid being blocked on any one task.

Be ready to context switch while you wait for a response.

Tip #2 – Keep it simple.

As is the case in many things, it’s best to keep things simple.

Reduce your message to a specific problem and just enough context to let the other person ask any clarifying questions.

You may be tempted to write a lot of detail to prevent back and forth discussion.

You may think you’re adding clarity, but the reality is the additional detail may confuse the person more.

Or they might skim the big blob of text and not catch the information you provided.

If the person you are writing is not familiar enough with the context, that brings us to tip #3!

Tip #3 – Still need meetings

When working remotely, asynchronous communication via email or messaging software is the default form of communication.

This can help remove a lot of synchronous communication, otherwise known as meetings!

You probably hate meetings.

However there will always be times that meetings are more efficient.

Providing context to a problem to someone not familiar with the task, as mentioned above, may be one such example.

Getting buy-in on a project is another.

Keep your synchronous communications to a minimum, but it’s inefficient to avoid them completely.

Conclusion

There we have it.

Plan tasks to avoid being blocked, keep your message simple, and don’t completely avoid meetings.

If you follow those three tips, you will have efficient communication while working remotely.