How to Work From Home as a Team

TL;DR

Learn how the MinuteEarth team has successfully worked remotely for seven years, utilizing communication tools, video calls, regular check-ins, synchronized work methods, and effective feedback practices.

Transcript

Hi, this is Kate (and Julián, and David, and Arcadi, and Henry, and Melissa, and Alex, and Sarah, and Jasper, and Peter, and Ever) from MinuteEarth. For the last 7 years or so, we’ve worked as a team - remotely. Like, totally remotely - I didn't meet a single member of MinuteEarth in person for more than a year, and it took me FIVE years to de-virt... Read More

Key Insights

• 💨 Effective remote teamwork requires an organized way to communicate and collaborate, such as using tools like Slack.
• 🎮 Video calls play a crucial role in creating a sense of connection and reducing the feeling of remoteness.
• 💦 Simulating working side-by-side through synchronized work methods and shared files contributes to better collaboration.
• 🆘 Giving clear and specific feedback, including positive feedback, helps avoid missteps and boosts morale.
• 🛟 Preserving and incorporating all feedback received is essential in shaping the final product.
• 🧖 Regular check-ins and team activities are important for maintaining a sense of connection and camaraderie.
• 🎨 Utilizing tools and technologies designed for remote collaboration enhances efficiency and productivity.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the most transformative tool the MinuteEarth team uses for remote teamwork?

The most transformative tool for the MinuteEarth team is Slack, which helps organize communication, questions, decisions, and conversations. It eliminates the need for internal emails and ensures everything is easily accessible in one place.

Q: How does the MinuteEarth team simulate working side-by-side while working remotely?

The team uses a single time zone to schedule meetings and deadlines, shares files through a Dropbox, collaborates on Google Docs, and utilizes a communal spreadsheet to keep projects and deadlines organized.

Q: How does the team provide and receive feedback effectively?

The team gives clear feedback by making specific written suggestions or sharing their screens to sketch out ideas. They also make a conscious effort to include positive feedback to boost morale. All feedback received is preserved and incorporated into the final product.

Q: What are some ways the team maintains a sense of connection despite working remotely?

The team schedules regular check-ins and activities like the "illustrator party" and "director soiree" to connect with and check on each other. They also have a virtual holiday party to foster team camaraderie.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The MinuteEarth team shares their strategies for remote teamwork, highlighting the use of Slack for communication, video calls for human connection, and regular team check-ins.

• They simulate working side-by-side by using a single time zone, shared Dropbox and Google Docs, and an organized communal spreadsheet.

• Feedback is given clearly and positively, with a focus on preserving and incorporating all feedback received.