The clip above illustrates the power and impact of asynchronous video-based communication. In this instance, the video is a log of an astronaut left on the surface of Mars in the film, The Martian. Talk about a remote worker! Back to this example in a minute.
As we think about the type of communications that would support remote work and remote workers, it is natural and tempting to be drawn to synchronous communication, and these days that is most likely to be synchronous video communication. After all, such communication is the most like being in the same place at the same time, a format that we are accustomed to from offices, shops, factories, and other workplaces. However, as Ian Giles points out in a piece in Medium, such synchronous communication isn’t ideal.
As Giles notes, synchronous communication is difficult to schedule when workers are in different time zones. Moreover, the immediate responses required for synchronous communication leave little time for thoughtful consideration and reflection before responding. In addition to time for more thoughtful comments, asynchronous communication is less likely to interrupt periods of work than synchronous communications.
Giles concludes his piece by noting the use of asynchronous video communication using 1 to 2 minute short video messages. Such messages allow body language and other more nuanced dimensions to enrich the communication. And this takes us back to the video log entry from The Martian which shows the potential of video-based asynchronous communication for staying in touch with a remote worker. Start using more robust asynchronous communication methods now, and you will be ready for the day when your team is interplanetary!
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