00:53 - In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we at the Chamber are working with community partners to mitigate its effects on businesses, both large and small. In lieu of our regular podcasts, we will be sharing highlights from our Daily Action Calls, where experts share information and resources for businesses to survive this unprecedented time.

1:28 - Brent Christensen kicks off the Daily Action Call by introducing today's topic of how to work remotely, how to manage and inspire your team from afar, and how to continue to be productive while we’re in quarantine.

3:47 - Brent introduces Congressman Mark Walker, who represents NC’s 6th District. Walker shares an update about how COVID-19 is impacting North Carolina right now and information coming from the White House. Walker also reviews the three phases of the federal pandemic funding, the details of what each phase of funding covers, and how those decisions are being rolled out. 

12:45 - Brent introduces two other guest speakers; Sean Kearney, founder of UpGaged and David Horne, who owns several remote-first Greensboro-based businesses. 

13:50 - Brent asks Sean what is different about this transition to work-from-home situation and how to navigate the challenges of adapting to a new way of working. Sean explains that all organizations struggle at times with remote work situations, especially in times of uncertainty and change. What’s different about today is that everybody has been thrown into change - businesses, families, individuals, children - so we have to learn how to survive, care for each other, and adapt the best practices that no longer apply to this new situation. Sean emphasizes good, daily communication and ensuring people are acknowledged, heard, and cared for.

19:32 - Brent asks David about remote work etiquette that we should practice and be aware of. David explains bringing the same respect and patience as if your team were working together in a physical office. He emphasizes that communication is the most critical skill to practice in the move from real-time to asynchronous work, and to be considerate of how someone may interpret what is written to them. He recommends instituting boundaries and office hours, so we can balance work with quiet time.

24:30 - Brent asks Sean what are the best ways to keep a remote team engaged in the work that they’re doing. As leaders of businesses, we cannot solve all engagement issues and this is a big challenge. Real engagement comes from interaction, rather than giving out directives. Constant status updates aren't always the best use of time; have a clear thought, invite your teams to give you feedback, interact between themselves, and build trust.

28:04 - Brent asks David about how remote teams build and maintain organizational culture. David explains that culture is built from people’s experiences and interactions together. Embracing that from a remote standpoint means continuing to communicate, building in multiple touchpoints, creating effective processes that are productive but also build trust, acknowledging employees and good work. Planning unproductive time together is also useful - have a videoconference in the morning for a coffee and chat with your team. 

32:50 - Brent asks Sean about his steps for setting up remote work processes. 

Step one, think of the five to ten people that others turn to for advice or help (whether that’s employees, customers, vendors, etc.). This creates relevance in your messaging, because your trusted people are helping to build your message. 

Step two is to ask “how are you; what are you concerned about” and really listen to the answer. Make sure you fully understand so you can figure out how to help. 

Step three is to follow up with anyone that you believe has potential solutions. Review your notes and find patterns for solutions.

Step four is to acknowledge concerns and fears, and then offer solutions and suggestions. Maybe create a short video to make it more human and accessible, share information from your trusted sources.

Step five is to ask for feedback and comments from your viewers, employees, customers. Understand what you need to provide them in the remote work world and challenge your people to get uncomfortable and create new habits.

41:20 - What tools in the remote workspace work well to help teams continue to engage with each other? Sean talks about “bring your own” team tools, like Slack and Microsoft Teams, for internal communications and file sharing. David emphasizes finding the right tools for the business that people will actually use and not overloading on how many apps or tools are used.