Here's how you can bridge communication barriers in product innovation with remote teams.

I have found that Teams is widely used, but gives you enough rope to hang yourself and your organization - documents end up all over the place and "teams" proliferate like mushrooms after a heavy rain. I have found that the Google office tools are ok, but often frustrating for Office365 users and it is a pain to move things back and forth. So, what is the best? Perhaps a combination of a slick and easy to use communication platform like Slack, a document store like OneDrive (since the automatic backups from Office365 work), the Office365 suite, and Zoom or Google Meet for webinars and video-conferencing because I have seen way to many shambolic meetings due to Teams foibles.

Como parte de adoptar la tecnología para mejorar la comunicación en equipos remotos es muy importante utilizar plataformas como Trello, Asana o Jira para gestionar proyectos y tareas, de manera que sea visible para todos, además utiliza Google Docs, Confluence u otros sistemas para compartir documentos y mantener a todos actualizados.

1. Communication Tools: Utilize various communication tools to facilitate seamless collaboration. Video conferencing platforms, instant messaging apps, project management software, and shared document platforms can help remote teams stay connected and communicate effectively. 2. Virtual Whiteboarding: Use tools to facilitate brainstorming sessions and collaborative ideation. These tools enable remote teams to visualize ideas, share concepts, and work together in real time, bridging the gap created by physical distance.

Es muy importante que el equipo conozca la importancia de cada proyecto y como ello contribuye a alcanzar los OKR definidos. Asimismo recomiendo hacer una presentación mensual sobre el avance de los KPIs, principales desviaciones y accionables.

1. Clear Objectives: Clearly communicate project goals, milestones, and expectations to remote teams. Ensure that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities, as well as the desired outcomes. This clarity helps align efforts and minimizes misunderstandings. 2. Deadlines and Deliverables: Establish clear deadlines and deliverables, breaking down complex projects into manageable tasks. Regularly communicate progress updates and provide feedback to keep everyone on track and accountable.

1. Cultivate a Supportive Environment: Create an inclusive and supportive remote work culture. Encourage open dialogue, active listening, and respect for different perspectives. Foster an environment where team members feel comfortable expressing their ideas and concerns. 2. Virtual Team-Building Activities: Organize virtual team-building activities to strengthen relationships and foster a sense of camaraderie among remote team members. This includes virtual coffee breaks, online games, or virtual social events facilitating informal interactions.

1. Streamline Communication Channels: Establish clear communication channels and protocols to ensure efficient and effective information sharing. Define when to use email, instant messaging, video calls, or project management tools to avoid communication bottlenecks and confusion. 2. Document Collaboration: Use cloud-based collaboration tools to enable simultaneous document editing and version control. This ensures that all team members can access the latest information and collaborate on documents in real-time.

Some still believe that remote teams need hundreds of client hours. When in fact, it’s not the amount of time that matters, it’s the quality of dialogue and feedback. So here is the advice I would give to all people working with remote teams: - DON’T SKIP calls/meetings with your teams - PREPARE to discuss desired changes - DEBATE all decisions as they come - PROVIDE examples, references, reasoning

1. Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular one-on-one and team meetings to provide open communication and feedback opportunities. Encourage team members to share their thoughts, challenges, and suggestions. Actively listen to their input and promptly address any concerns. 2. Anonymous Feedback Mechanisms: Implement anonymous feedback mechanisms to create a safe space for team members to express their opinions without fear of judgment or repercussions. This allows for honest feedback and helps identify potential communication barriers or areas for improvement.

Training should be a true learning activity rather than a necessary chore just to check some box on a compliance worksheet. People tend to learn from each other, so group trainings on subjects can be useful, particularly when you can create teams of people working together. A group will typically have a variety of specialists and those members would probably be more than happy to share their experience with everyone else. Lastly, working on social skills via team-building is important in terms of building solidarity and conviction in your employees.

1. Communication Skills Development: Offer training programs or workshops to enhance remote communication skills. These can include effective virtual meeting facilitation, active listening, and virtual presentation skills. Invest in the professional development of remote team members to improve overall communication effectiveness. 2. Cross-Cultural Communication: If working with a globally distributed team, provide training on cross-cultural communication to foster understanding and bridge cultural differences. This helps ensure effective communication and collaboration across diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Technology may well bridge communication barriers with remote teams but in the Product Innovation domain, remote communication built upon face-to-face meetings is far more valuable. Traditionally a 'new Sales Director touring customers' trope, going and meeting remote team members soon after you have started a new role is a key way to build mutual trust and relationships. Seeing people outside meetings will give you greater insight into them as individuals. Subsequent virtual discussions will now have nuance and personality. Relationships will benefit from reinforcement by regular in-person contact, and can then be maintained through technology where building them through technology may not be as effective or even possible.

When hiring a remote team, make sure they have a project manager or a responsible and dedicated person you can go to. You need this person to be able to: - discuss your likes and dislikes, - control project progress, - share new ideas with the team, - suggest improvements or changes.