Effective Remote Communication

Kenneth has 14 years of healthcare experience in government and private industry. Over eight years of experience managing healthcare IT projects, operations, contracts, and personnel. His work experience includes project management, contracts and procurements, data analysis, claims adjudication, business writing, and business process modeling. Kenneth was certified in 2006 as a Project Management Professional.

  Communications Management   Teams  

Communicating is never easy. Even if you are in the same room with someone, there can be misunderstandings and inconclusive body language. When you remove the face-to-face element and are dealing with a worker who is remote, these communication miscues can be magnified tremendously.

In order for communication to be effective with remote workers, the manager needs to take the initiative in ensuring that communication is correct and effective. At the end of the day, they are responsible for making sure the message is articulated clearly and correctly whether the employee is remote or in the office.

Phone Interviews
Phone interviews are unavoidable. These interviews might be with potential employees or they might be simple one-on-one meetings with current employees or team members. It is important to make the interview as easy as possible for both participants. Schedule the time correctly and block out any distractions, including the phone and the computer.

The temptation to “multi task” only leads to one or both parties not hearing something (or assuming something that is not true). If you are distracted, simply say that you need a minute, or schedule a new time when you can be focused on the meeting. Treat the person on the phone the same way you would treat someone in the room with you.

Documentation
Documenting everything you want the remote worker to…

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