Ensure You’re Using the Best Tools Available to You.
With so many top-tier tools available, there’s no excuse to not be using online software for team communication. A few of our favourites are Slack, Flowdock, Asana and Trello. These tools are not only great for keeping the conversation going, but also for managing workflows and shared tasks.
Check In Regularly
It’s important to remember that everyone is experiencing the same challenges when working collaboratively from home, and now more than ever with the disruption to our normal flow of work. Taking some time on a weekly basis to check in with fellow students or colleagues can make a big difference in not only their day, but also in the level of collaboration they’re able to commit to.
Create Systems for Document Sharing
Working remotely requires a high level of project management, and calls for well thought out systems. One of the best ways to streamline document sharing and real-time collaboration is Google’s suite of apps. A few examples are Google Drive, Google Sheets and Google Docs.
These apps update instantly with changes saved online. They also allow for comments to be made and edits to be suggested.
Structure Your Meetings
While meetings are essential to ensure you and your team are on the same page, they’ve also been found to contribute to time-wasting. Instead of scheduling meetings because you think you should (for example ‘Monday Morning Meetings’) instead, think of scheduling meetings only when necessary and with a clear objective in mind.