While disagreement is rarely comfortable, it can drive innovation and progress in your company. For example, when people disagree with an idea, project, or process it can unearth problems early on and help the innovation process run smoother. However, communicating your disagreements while working remotely has to be handled delicately. Without the help of tone and body language that is present during in-person disagreements, your message can easily come across the wrong way. These are some ways for you to disagree remotely in an understandable way:
Share Disagreements Early
The earlier you give your input, the easier it will be to apply it. It can be nerve wracking to speak up and voice your concerns, so you may be inclined to wait for “the right moment”. This will only make it harder for you to share your ideas and harder for your team to change in time. Try to share your ideas and concerns early in the innovation process to be more effective, even while working remotely.
Give Input Frequently
If you rarely voice disagreements, your feedback will feel more severe when you do. Always give feedback near the beginning of a project. This way disagreement can be integrated in the innovation process and others may be more willing to listen and give their own feedback.
Use Technology
When you voice disagreements through remote channels, there are many ways your intended meaning can be lost in translation. This is because a lot of communication is driven by body language or tone. If you have concerns to share, it’s a good idea to schedule a short video conference to discuss your concerns. This way, the person you’re talking to can see your facial expressions and hear your tone of voice. Both of you will better understand what the other person is saying and will be able to make more progress.
Following this advice can help your company communicate disagreements effectively, even with remote workers.