Perhaps it's an "other side of the Pond" thing, but if it is a actual remote position for a large company, I'd expect them to provide all the hardware you need, and even ban you from any access to the company from your own devices (other than phone calls).
As others have indicate, working remotely involves new means of communication, not the end of communication. With "instant messaging" you can interact more thoroughly than an occasional coincidental cup of coffee. You may have to modify/develop your techniques. I like to write "self-contained" texts - and then I get "thank you for your detailed email..." and you know the sub-text is "which I am far too important to have read". Say everything you want to say at the beginning, explain later. If someone is going to ignore the bulk of what you have written at least make it difficult for them to ignore the point(s) you want to make. Email (and IM) are great CYA, by the way :-) IM. For sure don't try to "conference" by IM. Except with very controlled procedures (a "moderator" effectively) it is a nightmare, as three other people have contributed before you've typed your important contribution, and now untangle that. Even one-on-one IM can be tricky. I write (for instance notepad) what I want to get across before the IM, then I can highlight/copy/paste, whilst leaving open the option to reply to any points in reply. If the message "xyz is typing" comes up, it is worth waiting, rather than just carrying on with what you were going to "type". I don't think group video conferences are so important to be video, but if that's what someone wants, it's not a problem. I'm not sure one-on-one video (for business) is useful all the time, but again, if it is what the other party wants. I do feel audio reduces self-conciousness and eases concentration on the topic. Plan your meetings. You may have strictly limited time. Delay to the end of the meeting, or to another meeting, topics that are overrunning. Distribute an agenda, get through the agenda. If the meeting is long, allow for a break (or breaks). It can at least "seem" more intense than a "real" meeting. If it is your meeting, be assertive. If it is someone else's meeting and you have something important to interrupt about (someone missed something vital, and no-one noticed) then be assertive. "I'd like to quickly back to the point about..." and assorted phrases. You get adept at looking for gaps to "interrupt" at good moments, but not always possible. A great thing about audio/video is that you may be able to record. Obviously all should be aware, and there ma be local rules (even laws somewhere?) against it. But "having it on tape" means 1) you can review it 2) you can easily frame an exact request for clarification 3) you have it on tape :-) I guess how people work from home varies from person-to-person. I'd myself recommend having some "space" somewhere where you can "go to work". There's some education of people living with you as well. Just because you are "at home" doesn't mean you can have an earl dinner ready, collect the dog from the vet, or finish work a five-on-the-dot. It's a different experience, and can be fun. Remember always the company is not allowing you to work remotely for your benefit (in itself). You provide the tea/heat/cooling/lighting/workspace/insurance etc. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to [email protected] with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN
