How to Be Awesome at Your Job

1031: Mastering Virtual Communication with Andrew Brodsky

Feb 10, 2025

Andrew Brodsky, an award-winning professor and virtual communications expert, shares insights on enhancing your virtual communication skills. He introduces the PING framework, emphasizing clarity and responsiveness in digital interactions. Andrew discusses the nuances of nonverbal cues in text and the overlooked effectiveness of video calls. He also highlights the importance of balancing AI's role in communication while maintaining a personal touch, alongside amusing tales of multitasking mishaps in the workplace.

39:16

Episode guests

Andrew Brodsky

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Investing time to select the appropriate communication mode can significantly enhance clarity and trust in virtual interactions.

Recognizing the hidden nonverbal cues in text-based communication is essential for preventing misunderstandings and fostering effective relationships.

Deep dives

The Importance of Virtual Communication Thoughtfulness

Taking time to evaluate the appropriate communication mode enhances long-term productivity and relationship quality. Engaging in this thoughtful process might seem like a waste of time initially, but it prevents potential miscommunications and misunderstandings that could otherwise arise from rushed emails or poorly timed meetings. For example, if a message is perceived as rude due to a typo or misalignment of the communication mode chosen, it can lead to a significant breakdown in trust. Thus, investing time upfront to consider how to communicate effectively ensures clearer messages and healthier interactions.

Intro

2min

Mastering Virtual Communication

19min

The Perils and Realities of Multitasking

2min

Navigating Virtual Communication

9min

The Human Touch in Virtual Communication

5min

Balancing Communication and Personal Preferences

5min

Andrew Brodsky shows how to sharpen your virtual communication skills.

— YOU’LL LEARN —

1) What your emails and texts say about you

2) The PING framework for efficient virtual communication

3) Why in-person meetings aren’t always better

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— ABOUT ANDREW —

Andrew Brodsky is an award-winning professor, management consultant and virtual communications expert at the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin. Poets&Quants selected Andrew as one of the “World’s 40 Best Business School Professors Under 40.” He is an expert in workplace technology, communication and productivity and serves as the CEO of Ping Group. Andrew earned a PhD in organizational behavior from Harvard Business School and BS from The Wharton School. He currently lives with his wife and two rescue dogs in Austin.

• Book: Ping: The Secrets of Successful Virtual Communication

• LinkedIn: Andrew Brodsky

• Website: ABrodsky.com

— RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW —

• Book: Hex Kitchen by Stephanie Fazio

• Sketch: When a Text Conversation Goes Very Wrong - Key & Peele

• Email Urgency Bias (Research): "You don’t need to answer right away! Receivers overestimate how quickly senders expect responses to non-urgent work emails" by Laura Glurge and Vanessa Bohns

— THANK YOU, SPONSORS! —

• Earth Breeze. Get 40% off your subscription at earthbreeze.com/AWESOME

• BambooHR. See all that BambooHR can do at bamboohr.com/freedemo

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