Did you know that the term “brainstorming” has bounced around conference rooms since the 1940s? Despite its age, the technique is still a staple in every creative toolbox. Today, we’re taking it to another level with remote brainstorming. In this article, we set out to explore several popular brainstorming techniques. We also show how you can implement them in your distributed organization. 💡 Before you start… This article is part…
Continue Reading“What is the best productivity system for my remote team?” Well, it depends on how much friction and how steep of a learning curve you can handle. If the answer is “as little as possible,” then Zen to Done (ZTD) is what you’re looking for. If you’ve ever tried David Allen’s Getting Things Done (GTD)—or any productivity framework for that matter—you know that implementing it takes time and dedication. That’s…
Continue ReadingWhen Elon Musk says trees matter—and makes a $1 million #teamtrees donation to back that up—you listen. That’s why in today’s article, we’re taking another look at tree structures and all the cool benefits of collaborative mind mapping software. 💡 Before you start… Smart remote teams are always one step ahead of the competition. Don’t forget to check our other guides when you’re done here! 🧠 The Importance of Visualizing…
Continue ReadingDoes making decisions at your remote team feel like a tug of war? Or is it more like The Council of Elrond with only a select few privy to the proceedings? The good news is remote decision-making doesn’t have to be that difficult (and slow). In today’s article, we’ll help you build a remote decision-making framework for your team. Oh, and we’ll also answer a few questions while doing so….
Continue ReadingManaging a (remote) team is like dashing through the dungeons in Crypt of the Necrodancer. Move, wait, attack, regroup… your team acts and reacts in a very distinct rhythm. The question is: “How to adjust that rhythm to increase team productivity?” Here’s the thing. Distributed teams—yours included— CAN be more effective than their co-located counterparts. They can plan, communicate, make decisions, and get work done faster and with less friction…
Continue ReadingNo cubicle can match the comfy vibes of getting work done at home. But is your home office your temple? Is it free from distractions and pesky diversions? If not, it’s time to brush up on your routine and embrace the power of deep work. ⚡️ In today’s article, we take a look at Cal Newport’s deep work philosophy. We also adopt some of its principles to capitalize on focus…
Continue ReadingVirtual meetings are the perfect case study for Murphy’s law. Anything that can go wrong—hardware/software problems, poor participation, constant distractions—will go wrong. That is unless you have our virtual meeting checklist to save the day. In today’s article, we tackle some of the most common remote meeting problems. We also suggest a handful of solutions that’ll make your virtual meetings much more digestible. 💡Before you start… This guide is part…
Continue ReadingThe remote paradigm shift has made many of the “old ways” of office culture obsolete. Whether you’re a work-from-home freelancer, distributed team member, or a business owner, it’s time to build completely new remote habits and get things done in 2021. The good news is you don’t need ambitious goals or a spectacular 180 to become “the best you can be.” Instead, you should implement tiny, incremental changes that’ll put…
Continue ReadingThe pandemic has not only changed the way we live and work. It’s also given new momentum to upskilling and workplace education in general. To properly address those changes, remote teams need to cultivate a culture of knowledge sharing. In today’s guide, we take a look at the benefits of knowledge sharing. We also break down several methods for implementing in a remote workplace. Here are a handful of questions…
Continue ReadingCollaborative note-taking has a solid track record in the academic world. It helps students distribute workload, patch up revision materials, and mix in different points of view. Now, with a bit of tinkering, you can also turn it into a remote team superpower! In today’s article, we revisit Niklas Luhmann’s Zettelkasten and discuss three popular note-taking techniques. We’ll also show you how you can combine the two ingredients to create…
Continue ReadingChecklists have saved lives, helped teams succeed, and… sent people into space (more on that in a bit). But did you know that they can also make your distributed team self-reliant and more productive? (checklist template inside!) A checklist—simple list of steps/tasks arranged in sequential order—is one of the most powerful organization tools in our personal and professional lives. In this article, we explore the origins of checklists and the…
Continue ReadingThe Japanese term Tsundoku (積ん読)—piling up unread reading materials—is undergoing a renaissance of sorts. Ever since cloud storage became readily available and dirt cheap, we’ve been spiraling down the rabbit hole of digital hoarding. Keeping pristine digital hygiene isn’t easy. But it gets even more complicated when companies switch to remote work. Without a solid data management plan, distributed organizations can quickly lose their way in a deluge of information….
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A Pocket Guide to Remote Team Brainstorming 
Simplify Team Productivity With Zen to Done (ZTD) 
Here’s Why Your Team Needs Collaborative Mind Mapping Software in 2024 
Speed Up Team Execution With This Remote Decision-Making Framework 
Team Productivity Guide: How to Build Faster Remote Teams 
Losing to Distractions? Boost Team Focus With Deep Work in 2024! 
Virtual Meeting Checklist: Run Better Meetings With Your Remote Team 
Build Effective Remote Teams With Atomic Habits 
Knowledge Sharing With Your Remote Team: Build a Smarter Team Today 
Collaborative Note-Taking: Helping Remote Teams Stay Organized 
The Power of Checklists in Distributed Teams 
The Curse of Tsundoku (積ん読): How to Beat Digital Hoarding in Remote Teams