Today seems a little brighter than the last two weeks, which I put down to the routines starting to set in and the new normal becoming just - normal.
I am still trying to get some orders through amazon for house fittings. We found a shower that we like and were hoping to save 50% on it, but they keep getting cancelled with the message "no stock", but the same seller has it now listed at the higher price, which is still 30% cheaper than the 40% sale price in Finland. I ordered it again at the higher price - let's see. One thing actually was dispatched though, so that is a start - how long it will take to arrive is the next question.
The other thing I am looking at getting ASAP is a chest freezer. We haven't had the space earlier, but it would have been incredibly handy to have the last three years with the need to both cook and freeze nearly all of 
But all in all, it seems a bit better today and it could also be because over the last couple days I have pushed very hard to get work completed. "A load off my mind" is a good state to be in. But this is relative - as there is still a truckload on my plate, much of it in meetings trying to work out how to handle the situation.
We have moved remote sessions like everyone else, which means adjusting for what is lost in direct communication. I am guessing there are others in the same boat, so I thought I would write a quick tip list for delivering remotely.
Tips to consider for remote delivery/ meetings
Camera on
Yeah, you have to do your hair, but not necessarily wear pants. Having the camera on gives a much more personal and dynamic environment to work with, so if it is important to build a relationship - the camera is highly recommended.Get there a few minutes early
Of course, this allows for the sorting of technical issues, but more importantly and especially for larger groups, it allows for some chitchat. Remember that people are essentially housebound and going stir crazy. Get to know people here.Set expectations
Have an outline of what will be covered and what won't be. Have at least a rough schedule of topics and times, and include breaks if long sessions. Stay attentive to the stated breaks and if you need to run over a few minutes, ask if it is okay.*Take a coffee break
For the long meetings, take a coffee break together. This gives a chance for calls of nature, but also for getting informal feedback from participants. Often they will raise questions here and these can be addressed when everyone returns.Use names
Learn a few names if they are unfamiliar and leverage them to kickstart conversation to include others. Looping back to the "getting there early" conversations and what is learned there, it is a great way to develop advocates for the sessions.Use the tools
If it is a brainstorming session, one great way to increase activity and actually be very productive is to use a digital whiteboard that allows coauthoring. Collaborating while talking is very effective, even online.
A lot of people think that remote sessions make it impossible to build relationships, but that is not true at all. What it does require however is, a change in process and behavior, as a lot of the communication channels are lost, like body, tone and facial expressions. There is also a loss of intimacy through the screen, the space between people. Of course with social distancing being highly recommended, people aren't that keen on getting close anyway.
I wonder if Tinder has seen an uptake or downturn in business? Perhaps they have moved to camming instead.
For those of you who are now working, taking internal meetings and delivering to customers from home, do you have any additional tips that work for you that people can use to improve their outcomes?
Taraz
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