Welcome to this week's episode of the Modern Mentor podcast, formerly known as the Get It Done

Guy. I'm Rachel Cook, your modern mentor host. Today I'll be offering some tips for communicating successfully when

working remotely. Working remotely is not a new concept. According to CNBC, as of 2018,

roughly 70% of the global workforce was working remotely at least once per week. But for most, working remotely is a

complement to, not a replacement for, days in the office. Yet in the context of the coronavirus

pandemic, to minimize risk, many companies are asking or even requiring their employees to work

remotely for the foreseeable future.

When it's not your norm, telework can be hard to navigate.

QDT's editor, Karen Hertzberg, a work-from-home veteran herself, recently published

How to Work from Home during the coronavirus outbreak.

She laid out some of her strategies for success. Being disciplined

about your schedule, minimizing distractions, and staying accountable to personal goals

are some of the gems on her list. One of the greatest telecommuting challenges is communication.

Today's episode is a deep dive into some strategies you can use to ensure you're

communicating at the top of your virtual game. First, clarify your purpose. In the office,

you have the luxury of walking the halls and letting spontaneous conversation happen. But working remotely means every interaction with

someone else must be intentional. It's unlikely, after all, that you'll bump into a colleague

in your own kitchen when you take a coffee break. Before reaching out to someone, know what you want to

achieve. Are you looking for opinions, seeking permission, providing an update,

offering advice, or maybe just saying hello? All of these are valid reasons for reaching out,

but clarifying your purpose upfront will help you to choose the right mode and craft a message

designed to get you the outcome you need.

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