Exploring the shift from synchronous to asynchronous work, the podcast discusses challenges in collaboration and productivity. They emphasize the value of invisible work, team trust, and balancing real-time and async communication. Tools like Loom and Miro are highlighted, along with strategies for breaking the addiction to synchronous meetings and optimizing work rhythms.
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Quick takeaways
Adopting asynchronous work patterns is essential for modern organizations to enhance efficiency and adapt to changing work dynamics.
Utilizing collaborative tools and establishing clear working agreements are crucial for creating a conducive environment for asynchronous work.
Deep dives
Exploring Asynchronous Ways of Working
Asynchronous ways of working are discussed as a more efficient alternative to default synchronous methods. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding the nuances of asynchronous work patterns, especially in modern organizations. By focusing on adapting workflows to match actual job requirements, the episode advocates for exploring and adopting these new ways of working.
Embracing Asynchronous Collaboration Tools
The use of collaborative tools like Loom and Google Docs is proposed for enhancing asynchronous work effectiveness. Highlighting the significance of sharing the same version of a document for clarity, the episode suggests establishing clear working agreements around comment interactions and suggesting modes. Matching the tools used to the context of work tasks is emphasized for creating a conducive asynchronous work environment.
Implementing 'Make Stuff Time'
Introducing 'Make Stuff Time' as a strategy to repurpose synchronous meeting slots for asynchronous work activities is recommended. By having all team members engage in productive tasks simultaneously during scheduled meeting slots, a culture of actual work during these times is fostered. This approach aims to shift the mindset from passive meeting attendance to active productivity during designated meeting hours.
Strategically Aligning Personal Workflow with Calendar
Aligning personal workflow with the calendar to match the optimal time for cognitive tasks is suggested for maximizing productivity. Designing time blocks for tasks that require deep focus and attention, such as reading research studies or colleague's work, at the individual's peak performance hours enhances work efficiency. This strategy promotes a targeted and effective approach to asynchronous work management.
For decades, face-to-face working has been the default way of working. Launching a new project; untangling an OS problem; updating a team on progress made in the last week—our classic go-to for all those different kinds of work is blocking off time on a calendar. When in doubt, just corral everybody into a room, real or virtual.
But this “one-size-fits-all” approach is coming up short as work evolves. And while almost everyone dreads having a meeting-stuffed calendar, ideas for what to try instead can be in short supply. Plus, when 85% of leaders find it hard to trust that their employees are being productive, async work can look like a risky free-for-all.
In this episode of At Work With The Ready, Rodney Evans and Sam Spurlin explore how our attachment to synchronous work is hampering performance and why asynchronous work is a mindset, not a tool stack.
Looking for other ways to asynchronously enjoy this episode? Check out our Youtube channel for the live video version, or email podcast@theready.com to get a transcript for reading.