“To collaborate” means “to engage” in the action of working with someone to produce or create something.
We engage in all areas of our life – not just at work.
In order to collaborate… to engage… to work with someone to produce or create something, especially if you are working to create something big, amazing and great, you need to communicate efficiently and effectively.
Communication is critical to success.
To effectively communicate, especially in remote working environments, you absolutely cannot do it solely on the back of electronic communications. Relying only on Slack and email and text and tickets is a major blocker when it comes to effective communication.
Electronic communications are ideal for submitting project parameters and for follow-up items and questions. But electronic communications cannot be used as the primary means by which teams connect or communicate with each other.
Teams need face-to-face and person-to-person interactions to effectively communicate and connect with each other.
Yes, we still live in a virtual world. The days of the office environment (and commuting long distances to get there) are in the past for many of us, and we are better off as a result. Without commutes, we have more time on our hands and the power to create a better quality of life by using that extra time well.
However, there is one challenge we all face in our virtual environment: the natural human tendency to take the easy way out.
Communications are harder when you’re not physically in the same office, and it’s easier to send an email, slack, text or IM than it is to pick up a phone or jump on a Zoom.
But, communications and connections are so critical to success. And in this long-term virtual world, effective communications and deep connections are even more important.
The importance of face-to-face conversations and one-to-one phone calls cannot be understated.
Although phone calls and Zooms clearly rely on electronics, they are the communications channels that best represent in-person conversations, and they are the most effective ways to connect and communicate.
Face-to-face conversations and one-to-one phone calls strengthen our connections and let our personalities shine.