At Work with The Ready

7. Sync or Swim: Riding the Waves of Async Work


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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 [email protected] to get a transcript for reading.


Mentioned references:

  • Loom
  • Rodney's article on org debt: How to Tackle the Biggest Threat to Your Team's Growth
  • Red, amber, green (RAG status)
  • Tanisi's podcast episode: BNW Ep. 88 with Tanisi Pooran
  • Miro
  • Pitch
  • Pomodoro method

  • We’re on LinkedIn! Follow Rodney, Sam and The Ready for more org design nerdery and join the conversation around episodes after they air.

    Looking for some help with your own transformation? Visit theready.com

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    We want to hear from you. Send your thoughts and feedback to [email protected].

    Read the book that started it all at bravenewwork.com.

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    At Work with The ReadyBy Rodney Evans and Sam Spurlin

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