The topic of business etiquette is often not discussed widely but can play a key role in creating a welcoming environment to work within.
Here’s a little bit of what I share in the Reconnecting Workspaces about Business Etiquette for Remote Teams:
BUSINESS ETIQUETTE ITEMS FOR REMOTE TEAMS
There are several etiquette items for remote teams to take into consideration:
1. Starting and ending meetings on time. It is absolutely essential to start and end meetings on time, given the possibility that people are participating at different times of their day. It has become more common practice in recent months to have meetings wrap up five to ten minutes before the end of the hour to allow for people to prepare for, stretch, or take a “bio-break” before their next meeting.
2. Use subject lines appropriately. Here is an example of what not to say, and what to say:
Do not say: Feedback please. This is unclear as to what the email is about, who needs to be involved, and when a reply is needed.
Do say: KPI Priorities—Response needed—11/15, 5 pm GMT
Let people know when a response is needed, and give enough time. If you need a response quickly, will end of business today be enough time given that several team members may be five to twelve hours ahead of you?
Watch for the acronyms you use, i.e., KPI—Key performance indicator (agree within the team on key words which you will shorten).
3. Send materials well in advance. How much time will people need to read, review, action, and prepare?
4. Be clear on any pre-work, time involved, and what the expectations are in terms of pre-preparation (reading, prioritization, pre-discussions, and decisions).
5. Consider the impact of language. While many global teams may have one working language, it is likely that some team members may have that working language as a second or third language. Consider the impact of:
a. Excessive acronyms. Does everyone understand what it means?
b. Idioms such as “speak of the devil,” “a piece of cake,” “rubber hits the road.”
What are the slangs or colloquialisms used commonly that may not translate as
you intended?
6. Video and conference call etiquette. Use your name when speaking, (i.e., “This is Jennifer.”) Let people know if you are not able to stay and how you will catch up and follow up and be sure to do this. Avoid overbooking where possible, as this sends a negative message. Use headsets to avoid echoes and feedback. Mute when needed. Notice the background and be sure to show up in professional clothing.
7. Be aware of your surroundings. Consider any other ambient noise which might be picked up. In video streaming, be aware of your background and how others can hear your call/see your call. Do not move around with video on. This can be very disruptive and distracting to other group members. If you need to move, be sure to turn off your video feed.
What else is important to note?
(Except, Reconnecting Workspaces © Jennifer Britton, 2021, page 120)
Enjoy your reflection!
Jennifer
Jennifer Britton
Potentials Realized |Reconnecting Workspaces | Group Coaching Essentials
Team and Leadership Development | Coaching | Retreats
Follow us on Instagram @ReconnectingWorkspaces
Phone: (416)996-8326
Check out my TEDx talk at https://www.ted.com/talks/jennifer_britton_virtual_remote_and_hybrid_checklist_aug_2021
Looking to bring your workplaces back together, whether you are remote, hybrid, or face-to-face? Pick up a copy of my new book, Reconnecting Workspaces, at Amazon.
Here’s a little bit of what I share in the Reconnecting Workspaces about Business Etiquette for Remote Teams:
BUSINESS ETIQUETTE ITEMS FOR REMOTE TEAMS
There are several etiquette items for remote teams to take into consideration:
1. Starting and ending meetings on time. It is absolutely essential to start and end meetings on time, given the possibility that people are participating at different times of their day. It has become more common practice in recent months to have meetings wrap up five to ten minutes before the end of the hour to allow for people to prepare for, stretch, or take a “bio-break” before their next meeting.
2. Use subject lines appropriately. Here is an example of what not to say, and what to say:
Do not say: Feedback please. This is unclear as to what the email is about, who needs to be involved, and when a reply is needed.
Do say: KPI Priorities—Response needed—11/15, 5 pm GMT
Let people know when a response is needed, and give enough time. If you need a response quickly, will end of business today be enough time given that several team members may be five to twelve hours ahead of you?
Watch for the acronyms you use, i.e., KPI—Key performance indicator (agree within the team on key words which you will shorten).
3. Send materials well in advance. How much time will people need to read, review, action, and prepare?
4. Be clear on any pre-work, time involved, and what the expectations are in terms of pre-preparation (reading, prioritization, pre-discussions, and decisions).
5. Consider the impact of language. While many global teams may have one working language, it is likely that some team members may have that working language as a second or third language. Consider the impact of:
a. Excessive acronyms. Does everyone understand what it means?
b. Idioms such as “speak of the devil,” “a piece of cake,” “rubber hits the road.”
What are the slangs or colloquialisms used commonly that may not translate as
you intended?
6. Video and conference call etiquette. Use your name when speaking, (i.e., “This is Jennifer.”) Let people know if you are not able to stay and how you will catch up and follow up and be sure to do this. Avoid overbooking where possible, as this sends a negative message. Use headsets to avoid echoes and feedback. Mute when needed. Notice the background and be sure to show up in professional clothing.
7. Be aware of your surroundings. Consider any other ambient noise which might be picked up. In video streaming, be aware of your background and how others can hear your call/see your call. Do not move around with video on. This can be very disruptive and distracting to other group members. If you need to move, be sure to turn off your video feed.
What else is important to note?
(Except, Reconnecting Workspaces © Jennifer Britton, 2021, page 120)
Enjoy your reflection!
Jennifer
Jennifer Britton
Potentials Realized |Reconnecting Workspaces | Group Coaching Essentials
Team and Leadership Development | Coaching | Retreats
Follow us on Instagram @ReconnectingWorkspaces
Phone: (416)996-8326
Check out my TEDx talk at https://www.ted.com/talks/jennifer_britton_virtual_remote_and_hybrid_checklist_aug_2021
Looking to bring your workplaces back together, whether you are remote, hybrid, or face-to-face? Pick up a copy of my new book, Reconnecting Workspaces, at Amazon.
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