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Patty Malone

Are you ready to take your remote team's productivity and engagement to the next level? This course provides practical strategies to boost productivity, improve communication, and foster collaboration in virtual teams. Over four modules, learners will explore ways to reduce task duplication, engage team members in virtual meetings, master digital communication best practices, and leverage various digital tools to create a highly productive and engaged remote team. As the final course of the Remote Leadership for Managers specialization, learners will also evaluate real-world scenarios and implement the remote leadership strategies taught through all three courses.

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Are you ready to take your remote team's productivity and engagement to the next level? This course provides practical strategies to boost productivity, improve communication, and foster collaboration in virtual teams. Over four modules, learners will explore ways to reduce task duplication, engage team members in virtual meetings, master digital communication best practices, and leverage various digital tools to create a highly productive and engaged remote team. As the final course of the Remote Leadership for Managers specialization, learners will also evaluate real-world scenarios and implement the remote leadership strategies taught through all three courses.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

*Identify and implement effective strategies to boost team productivity, prevent task duplication, and ensure task completion.

*Enhance engagement in virtual meetings by recognizing and applying techniques to increase participation, re-engage team members, and create a productive and collaborative meeting experience.

*Improve email communication by learning tips and tricks for writing effective emails, managing email communication, and recognizing the appropriate use of email versus other communication channels.

*Choose the best digital tools for the remote work scenario and identify how they can increase engagement in virtual teams.

*Apply core remote leadership concepts from the Remote Leadership for Managers specialization to real-world scenarios.

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

Increase Productivity in a Remote Environment
Welcome to Module 1, Increasing Productivity in a Remote Environment. In this module, we will identify actionable strategies to enhance productivity within virtual teams, explore methods to prevent task duplication, and outline how to prevent tasks from falling through the cracks. We will also reflect on our personal experiences with low work productivity and discuss what strategies helped or harmed the situation.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops core skills for individuals striving to excel in a remote work environment
Emphasizes engagement and productivity in distributed teams, addressing challenges faced by remote workers
Delivers practical strategies for fostering collaboration and communication among virtual team members
Provides an in-depth exploration of digital tools and their applications in remote team management
Facilitates hands-on experience through interactive discussions and exercises designed for remote teams
Requires a basic understanding of remote work principles and technologies

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Reviews summary

Practical strategies for remote team productivity

According to students, this course offers highly practical strategies for boosting productivity and engagement in remote teams. Learners frequently praise the actionable advice on managing virtual meetings and the incredibly useful email communication tips, finding them immediately applicable to their work. While providing a solid foundation for those new to the field, some experienced professionals found the digital tools section somewhat generic and desired more advanced insights. The course is described as well-structured and culminates in a scenario-based final exam, effectively integrating concepts from the broader specialization.
Strong capstone, integrating specialization concepts.
"Overall, a very practical course... The final exam being cumulative for the specialization is a good challenge."
"Good course, especially as part of the specialization. It ties everything together nicely."
Provides insights to improve meetings and email.
"...the tips on re-engaging participants. I also found the segment on email management incredibly useful – it truly helped me cut down on unnecessary communication."
"I particularly benefited from the guidance on email etiquette and choosing the right communication channel."
"The advice on running engaging virtual meetings transformed our team calls."
Offers immediately applicable techniques for productivity.
"This course was a game-changer for me as a team lead. The strategies for virtual meetings were particularly insightful..."
"Absolutely essential for remote managers... The concepts taught here are immediately applicable."
"I've already implemented several strategies with positive results. The instructor's insights were clear and actionable."
Best for beginners, less for experienced learners.
"Some parts felt a bit basic if you're already experienced with remote work. I was hoping for more advanced techniques, but for someone new to managing remote teams, it's excellent."
"Good for beginners, but not for those looking for cutting-edge strategies."
"As someone with several years of remote management experience, I was looking for more advanced insights."
Digital tools module is often too basic or generic.
"...some of the 'digital tools' section was a bit generic. It mentioned tools everyone already uses."
"The 'digital tools' part was particularly weak, barely scratching the surface."
"The tools discussion was definitely not what I expected. It was a general overview."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Productivity in Remote Work with these activities:
Review the fundamentals of email etiquette
Start your journey to becoming an effective remote team leader by reviewing the basics of email etiquette. This will ensure that your messages are clear, concise, and professional, setting a solid foundation for successful virtual team communication.
Browse courses on Email Etiquette
Show steps
  • Read and familiarize yourself with the team's email guidelines
  • Review online resources or take a course on email etiquette
  • Practice writing clear and effective emails
Organize and Review Course Materials
Strengthen your understanding of course content by actively organizing, reviewing, and consolidating your notes, assignments, and other learning materials.
Browse courses on Note taking
Show steps
  • Regularly review and consolidate your notes from each module.
  • Group and organize materials by topic or theme.
  • Summarize key concepts and create study aids for future reference.
Review: Collaboration Culture
Gain insights into fostering collaboration in remote teams, strengthening communication, and building a cohesive virtual workplace culture.
Show steps
  • Read the book and make notes on key concepts and strategies for effective remote collaboration.
  • Identify key takeaways that can be applied to your own remote team's practices.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Create a Remote Team Communication Guidelines Document
Develop a comprehensive guide that outlines best practices for effective communication in your remote team, including guidelines for virtual meetings, email etiquette, and digital tool usage.
Browse courses on Virtual Meetings
Show steps
  • Research and gather best practices for remote team communication.
  • Interview team members to understand their communication preferences and challenges.
  • Draft a comprehensive communication guidelines document covering virtual meetings, email, and digital tools.
  • Review and finalize the document with team feedback.
Practice Active Listening and Engagement in Virtual Meetings
Improve your active listening skills and participation in virtual meetings to enhance team engagement and collaboration.
Browse courses on Virtual Meetings
Show steps
  • Attend virtual meetings with the intention of actively listening to others.
  • Take notes and ask clarifying questions to demonstrate comprehension.
  • Practice paraphrasing and summarizing to ensure understanding.
Explore digital tools for boosting productivity and engagement
Maximize your remote team's productivity and engagement by exploring digital tools tailored to these needs. These tools can help streamline communication, enhance virtual meetings, and facilitate seamless collaboration.
Browse courses on Productivity Tools
Show steps
  • Research and identify digital tools that align with your team's goals
  • Attend webinars or workshops on using these tools effectively
  • Experiment with different tools and gather feedback from your team
Explore Digital Collaboration Tools for Remote Work
Discover and learn how to use industry-leading digital collaboration tools to improve communication, task management, and file sharing within your remote team.
Browse courses on Digital Collaboration
Show steps
  • Research and identify reputable sources for online tutorials on collaboration tools.
  • Select tools based on your team's specific needs and preferences.
  • Follow step-by-step tutorials to set up and use the chosen tools.
Organize a Virtual Team Building Activity
Foster team cohesion and improve collaboration by planning and hosting a virtual team-building activity that encourages communication, laughter, and engagement.
Browse courses on Team Building
Show steps
  • Brainstorm ideas for engaging and inclusive team-building activities.
  • Schedule the activity and send out invitations to team members.
  • Prepare materials or resources needed for the activity.
  • Facilitate the activity, ensuring everyone participates and has fun.
Contribute to an Open-Source Project Related to Remote Collaboration
Deepen your understanding of remote collaboration tools and practices by contributing to an open-source project focused on improving virtual teamwork and communication.
Browse courses on Open Source
Show steps
  • Identify an open-source project that aligns with your interests and skills.
  • Join the project's community and explore ways to contribute.
  • Offer your expertise to enhance the project's functionality or user experience.

Career center

Learners who complete Productivity in Remote Work will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Productivity in Remote Work.
A seminal work in the field, GTD presents a comprehensive system for organizing tasks and managing workflow. It's essential for deepening one's understanding of productivity frameworks and is widely used by professionals. serves as a valuable reference tool for implementing a robust productivity system.
Directly addresses the sudden shift to virtual meetings and provides evidence-based best practices for making them more effective and engaging. It's highly relevant for anyone who attends or leads virtual meetings and offers practical, actionable advice.
Specifically addressing challenging and high-stakes conversations, this book offers a structured approach to navigate difficult discussions, manage emotions, and achieve positive outcomes.
Offers a clear framework for understanding and building psychological safety within teams, progressing through four distinct stages. It's a practical guide for leaders and team members aiming to create an inclusive and innovative team environment.
Abdaal explores the relationship between feeling good and being productive, offering a different perspective on motivation and energy management. Published recently, this book delves into contemporary ideas around sustainable productivity and preventing burnout. It's valuable for a broader understanding and current insights.
A foundational text on psychological safety, this book explains its importance for team learning, innovation, and performance. It's essential reading for leaders and team members seeking to create an environment where speaking up and taking risks are encouraged.
Newport argues for a philosophy of technology use that prioritizes focused work and high-value activities. is crucial for understanding contemporary productivity challenges related to technology and provides a framework for addressing them. It deepens the understanding of managing digital distractions.
A comprehensive guide for leaders navigating the challenges of managing remote teams. covers crucial aspects like hiring, onboarding, communication, performance management, and building a strong remote culture, all of which are essential for effective virtual meetings. It serves as a practical reference tool for managers.
Fundamental resource for developing effective communication skills within teams, especially during challenging situations. It's valuable for all audiences, providing practical tools applicable to both personal and professional teamwork. The third edition includes updated examples relevant to today's workplace.
Offers practical strategies for leading virtual and hybrid teams effectively. It covers creating cohesive teams, collaborating creatively, and running engaging virtual meetings. It's a valuable guide for anyone in a leadership role involving virtual interactions.
McKeown makes a compelling case for focusing on essential tasks and eliminating non-essentials to increase productivity and impact. helps deepen understanding by shifting the focus from doing more to doing what matters most. It's highly relevant for professionals facing overwhelm.
Written by former Google Ventures design partners, this book offers a practical framework for finding time for what's important and minimizing distractions. It's highly relevant to contemporary challenges of digital overload and provides actionable techniques for broad understanding and application.
Provides a step-by-step guide to building and launching a successful startup. It covers everything from customer development and validation to product development and marketing.
Practical guide to collaboration that provides insights into how to build trust, resolve conflict, and achieve common goals. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their collaboration skills.
Provides a comprehensive overview of collaborative intelligence and how it can be used to create knowledge, value, and action. It is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn more about collaboration and how to use it effectively.
Focusing on communication, this book is crucial for understanding how to give and receive feedback effectively within a team. It's particularly relevant for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as working professionals, who need to navigate difficult conversations to improve team performance. The updated edition incorporates contemporary workplace dynamics.
Provides a practical guide to getting traction for your startup. It covers everything from customer acquisition and marketing to sales and fundraising.
This comprehensive guide provides a thorough overview of both verbal and nonverbal communication, offering practical tips and exercises to enhance communication abilities for both personal and professional settings.
Provides a practical guide to using digital tools to build and launch successful products. It covers everything from ideation and prototyping to marketing and customer feedback.
Written by a former speechwriter for President Obama, this book delves into the art of leadership communication, providing insights into crafting powerful messages, inspiring teams, and effectively managing stakeholder relationships.
A research-backed guide from a Harvard Business School professor on thriving in a remote work environment. It covers key aspects like leveraging technology, managing work-life balance, and leading virtual teams effectively, providing a solid understanding of the remote work context for virtual meetings.
Focuses on the critical aspect of maintaining and enhancing company culture in a remote and hybrid environment. It offers actionable tools for improving remote communication and collaboration, directly impacting the effectiveness of virtual meetings.
Offers practical, actionable advice specifically targeting procrastination, a major barrier to productivity. It's excellent for gaining a broad understanding of overcoming inertia and quick, impactful read. It provides useful techniques for immediate application.
While not exclusively about virtual meetings, this book offers a powerful framework for understanding the purpose and dynamics of any gathering, including virtual ones. It helps readers think critically about why they are meeting and how to create more meaningful and effective interactions. is valuable for deepening one's understanding of the fundamental principles behind successful meetings.
Drawing on military experience, this book explores how large organizations can foster the adaptability and effectiveness of small teams. It's highly relevant for graduate students and working professionals dealing with complex, interconnected environments and provides insights into contemporary organizational structures and teamwork challenges.
Provides practical strategies for improving emotional intelligence, a critical component of effective teamwork. It's relevant for all audiences, helping individuals understand and manage their own emotions and navigate interpersonal relationships within a team.
Based on a popular Stanford Graduate School of Business course, this book provides practical guidance on building strong interpersonal relationships, which are essential for effective teamwork. It's valuable for all audiences seeking to improve their relational skills within a team context.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities of virtual collaboration and communication within teams. It covers strategies for building trust, using technology effectively, and maintaining team cohesion in a virtual setting. This strong resource for gaining a broad understanding of virtual team dynamics.
A classic in management literature, Drucker's work on effectiveness is highly relevant to productivity, particularly for knowledge workers and professionals. It provides foundational principles for focusing on results and managing one's contribution. This must-read classic.
Focuses on building and maintaining a strong company culture within a virtual team setting. It emphasizes trust-based leadership and effective communication, which are critical for successful virtual meetings and overall remote collaboration.
Pozen, a highly successful executive, shares his results-oriented approach to productivity, focusing on prioritizing and efficient execution. is particularly relevant for professionals and provides practical strategies for achieving high output. It's valuable for deepening understanding of results-driven productivity.
Offers a compelling real-world example of how empowering team members and fostering a leader-leader model can dramatically improve performance. It's an inspiring read for all audiences, illustrating the practical application of distributed leadership in a team context.
Provides a comprehensive overview of remote work, covering topics such as the benefits and challenges of remote work, and how to manage and lead remote teams. It is written by two experts on remote work: Robert C. Pozen, a senior lecturer at MIT Sloan School of Management, and Alexi Marmot, a visiting fellow at the University of Oxford.
Provides a research-based framework for understanding the characteristics of successful innovators. It valuable resource for anyone interested in developing their own innovative thinking and capabilities.
Ferriss challenges the traditional 9-5 model and proposes strategies for maximizing efficiency and automating income to live a more fulfilling life. is highly popular and offers a different perspective on productivity focused on lifestyle design and automation. It's valuable for broad understanding and alternative approaches.
Trust is fundamental to effective teamwork. examines how trust is built and maintained in organizations, offering valuable lessons for fostering trust within teams. It's a relevant read for leaders and team members at all levels.
Pink explores the science of timing and how understanding our natural rhythms can improve productivity and well-being. offers a contemporary and science-backed perspective on an often-overlooked aspect of productivity. It deepens understanding by adding a new dimension to time management.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the user experience design process for digital products. It covers everything from user research and prototyping to testing and iteration.

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