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Remote & Distributed Work during Crises

Singularity University

We need to overcome our natural tendency to under-prepare for emergencies; workers and teams need to think differently about how, where, and when they work; and organizations need to shift to a new way of thinking about work roles.

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We need to overcome our natural tendency to under-prepare for emergencies; workers and teams need to think differently about how, where, and when they work; and organizations need to shift to a new way of thinking about work roles.

This session, led by Gary A. Bolles, aims to cover the following points: We need to overcome our natural tendency to under-prepare for emergencies; workers and teams need to think differently about how, where, and when they work; and organizations need to shift to a new way of thinking about work roles. Gary A. Bolles is the Chair for the Future of Work for SU, focusing on the strategies to help create a human-centric future of work for individuals, organizations, communities, and countries.

This course is no longer available. Find something similar by browsing:
Remote Work Distributed Work Crisis Management Work Roles Emergency Preparedness

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Suitable for those who work from home or in hybrid situations, the course covers remote & distributed work during emergencies

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Reviews summary

Navigating remote & distributed work effectively

According to learners, this course offers highly relevant and practical insights into managing remote and distributed teams, especially during challenging times. Students frequently commend the instructor's deep expertise and engaging delivery, finding the content actionable and thought-provoking. While many appreciate its concise format, some more experienced professionals found the depth could be expanded for advanced strategies. Overall, it's considered a strong foundational resource for adapting to evolving work paradigms, particularly beneficial for those new to leading remote teams.
Offers a good high-level overview, but some desire more depth.
"It's a great concise overview, perfect for getting started quickly without overwhelming details."
"While the course provides a good foundation, I felt some topics could have been explored with greater depth."
"I was hoping for more in-depth strategies for complex organizational structures, but it was a solid introduction."
"Concise and to the point. While I would have loved more advanced case studies, the fundamental principles and advice shared are invaluable..."
Appeals broadly, especially those new to remote management.
"This course is highly beneficial for anyone transitioning to or managing remote teams."
"As someone new to leading a distributed team, I found this course incredibly helpful and accessible."
"Even with some remote experience, I gained new perspectives that will refine my approach."
"Good for newcomers though."
Offers concrete steps for effective remote work implementation.
"I immediately applied several concepts to improve communication."
"I walked away with several actionable strategies I could implement with my team right away."
"This course isn't just theory; it gives you practical tools to navigate remote work."
"I found the advice on communication and team cohesion especially valuable for our distributed setup."
Insights from a seasoned expert in the future of work.
"Gary Bolles is clearly an expert; his insights were profound and well-articulated."
"The instructor's passion for the subject makes it very engaging."
"Gary Bolles delivers powerful insights on remote work. This course is a must for any professional..."
"I really appreciated the instructor's clear explanations and practical examples, making complex ideas understandable."
Provides immediately applicable strategies for current work challenges.
"The content is incredibly timely and directly addresses the challenges we face with remote teams today."
"I found many of the strategies discussed directly applicable to my team's situation during the recent shifts."
"This course helped me reframe our remote policies and adapt quickly to a distributed setup."
"The focus on proactive preparation for emergencies in a remote setup was particularly valuable."
A few points felt repeated across different sections.
"I noticed some of the core messages were reiterated several times throughout the course."
"While important, a few concepts felt slightly repetitive, which could be streamlined."
"Some parts felt a bit obvious, but others offered new ways of thinking."
"Found it a little basic and some points were repeated multiple times."

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 Remote & Distributed Work during Crises with these activities:
Review concepts in organizational structure
Reviewing the fundamentals of organizational structure will help you better grasp the complexities of modern work environments.
Browse courses on Organizational Structure
Show steps
  • Read through your notes or textbooks from previous courses related to organizational structure.
  • Create a mind map or diagram to visualize the different levels and roles within an organization.
  • Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different organizational structures with a classmate or colleague.
Participate in a peer support group for remote workers
Connecting with other remote workers will provide you with a support system and allow you to share experiences and learn from others.
Browse courses on Community Building
Show steps
  • Identify and join a peer support group or online community for remote workers.
  • Attend virtual meetings or discussions.
  • Share your experiences, ask for advice, and support others.
Read "Remote: Office Not Required" by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson
This book provides valuable insights and practical advice on how to successfully manage and work in remote teams.
View Remote on Amazon
Show steps
  • Purchase or borrow a copy of the book.
  • Set aside dedicated time for reading.
  • Take notes and highlight key takeaways.
  • Discuss the book with colleagues or classmates.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Explore case studies on remote work management
Examining real-world examples will provide you with insights into the challenges and best practices of managing remote teams.
Browse courses on Remote Work
Show steps
  • Identify and read case studies that document successful remote work implementations.
  • Analyze the strategies used to overcome challenges and foster productivity.
  • Compare and contrast different case studies to identify common themes and best practices.
Attend a workshop on virtual team collaboration tools
Attending a workshop will provide you with hands-on experience and expert guidance on using virtual tools effectively for team collaboration.
Browse courses on Virtual Collaboration
Show steps
  • Research and identify workshops that focus on virtual team collaboration tools.
  • Register for a workshop that aligns with your needs and schedule.
  • Actively participate in the workshop, ask questions, and take notes.
Volunteer with an organization that focuses on remote work advocacy
Volunteering will allow you to contribute to the broader conversation around remote work and its impact on society.
Browse courses on Social Impact
Show steps
  • Research organizations that advocate for remote work and flexible work arrangements.
  • Identify opportunities to volunteer your time and skills.
  • Participate in activities such as research, writing, or outreach.
Develop a remote work policy for your organization
Creating a remote work policy will force you to critically think about the specific needs and challenges of your organization in a remote work environment.
Show steps
  • Research best practices and legal requirements for remote work policies.
  • Identify key considerations such as communication, performance evaluation, and data security.
  • Draft a policy that outlines clear guidelines and expectations for remote workers.
  • Review and finalize the policy with input from stakeholders and legal counsel.
Write a blog post or article on best practices for distributed work
Writing about best practices will help you synthesize your knowledge and develop a deeper understanding of the topic.
Show steps
  • Research and gather information on best practices for distributed work.
  • Organize your thoughts and outline the main points of your article.
  • Write a clear and concise blog post or article that shares your insights and recommendations.
  • Proofread and edit your work before publishing it.

Career center

Learners who complete Remote & Distributed Work during Crises will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Director of Remote Work
The Director of Remote Work is responsible for developing and implementing the overall strategy for remote work at an organization. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to assume this role and lead your organization's transition to remote work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Director of Remote Work
Chief Remote Officer
The Chief Remote Officer is a new and emerging role responsible for developing and implementing strategies for remote work. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to assume this role and lead your organization to success in a remote work environment.
See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Remote Officer
Manager of Remote Operations
The Manager of Remote Operations is responsible for the day-to-day management of remote work operations, including employee support, technology management, and compliance. This course will provide you with the skills you need to succeed in this role and ensure that your remote team is productive and engaged.
See salaries and explore the career path for Manager of Remote Operations
Remote Work Security Specialist
As more organizations embrace remote work, the need for Remote Work Security Specialists is growing. This course will equip you with the skills to protect remote workers and data from cyber threats.
See salaries and explore the career path for Remote Work Security Specialist
Remote Work Technology Specialist
This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to implement and manage technologies that support remote work, including video conferencing, collaboration tools, and remote access solutions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Remote Work Technology Specialist
Virtual Team Leader
Leading virtual teams requires a unique set of skills and knowledge. This course will provide you with the insights and tools you need to effectively lead and motivate virtual teams, regardless of their location.
See salaries and explore the career path for Virtual Team Leader
Remote Work Policy Analyst
With the increase in remote work, there is a growing need for Remote Work Policy Analysts. This course will provide you with the skills to analyze and develop policies that support remote work, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
See salaries and explore the career path for Remote Work Policy Analyst
Remote Work Consultant
As organizations transition to remote work, the demand for Remote Work Consultants is increasing. This course will teach you how to develop and implement strategies for remote work, including policies, procedures, and training.
See salaries and explore the career path for Remote Work Consultant
Human Resources Manager
The combination of remote work and crisis management skills is in high demand for Human Resources Managers. The course will provide you with a framework for developing and implementing remote work policies and procedures, as well as strategies for managing employee performance and motivation in a remote work environment.
See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager
Organizational Development Manager
This course provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of managing organizational change and development during a crisis. You will learn how to facilitate effective communication, collaboration, and decision-making in a remote work environment, which is essential for Organizational Development Managers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Organizational Development Manager
Training and Development Manager
With the growing need for remote training and development programs, this course will provide you with the skills to design, deliver, and evaluate effective training programs in a virtual environment. As a Training and Development Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring that employees have the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in a remote work environment.
See salaries and explore the career path for Training and Development Manager
Project Manager
This course will equip you with the tools and techniques necessary to manage projects in a remote work environment. You will learn how to plan, execute, and control projects, as well as how to effectively communicate with team members and stakeholders.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
Consultant
This course may be relevant to Consultants who work in the field of remote work and distributed teams. The course will provide you with a framework for understanding the challenges and opportunities of remote work, as well as strategies for implementing and managing remote work programs.
See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant
Human Resources Director
This course may be of interest to Human Resources Directors who are responsible for developing and implementing remote work policies and procedures. The course will provide you with a framework for understanding the challenges and opportunities of remote work, and strategies for managing employee performance and motivation in a remote work environment.
See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Director
Information Technology Manager
This course may be useful for Information Technology Managers who are responsible for implementing and managing technologies that support remote work. The course will provide you with an understanding of the challenges and opportunities of remote work, as well as strategies for implementing and managing remote work technologies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Information Technology Manager

Reading list

We've selected nine 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 Remote & Distributed Work during Crises.
Cover image
Architects of Intelligence
Save
Exploring the potential impact of automation and artificial intelligence on the workplace, this book complements the course's discussion on the need for organizations to shift their thinking about work roles.
Architects of Intelligence
Paperback
Check
Architects of Intelligence
Kindle Edition
Check
Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...
Save
While not directly focused on remote work, this book provides a framework for continuous innovation and adaptability, which is crucial for organizations navigating crises.
The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...
Hardcover
$$
The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Innovator's Dilemma, with a New Foreword
Save
Explores the challenges of organizational innovation and the need to embrace disruptive technologies, providing insights relevant to the course's discussion on preparing for emergencies.
The Innovator's Dilemma, with a New Foreword: When...
Hardcover
$$
The Innovator's Dilemma, with a New Foreword: When...
Audio CD
$$
The Innovator's Dilemma, with a New Foreword: When...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Crux
Save
Offering a framework for effective strategy development, this book can provide a foundation for organizations seeking to rethink their work roles and strategies during crises.
The Crux: How Leaders Become Strategists
Hardcover
$$
The Crux: How Leaders Become Strategists
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Knowledge-Creating Company
Save
Explores the importance of knowledge creation and sharing in organizations, providing insights into fostering innovation and adaptability during crises.
The Knowledge-Creating Company
Paperback
$
The Knowledge-Creating Company: How Japanese...
Kindle Edition
$$
(日本語) The Knowledge-Creating Company = Chishiki sozo...
Tankobon Hardcover
$$
(中文) Knowledge-creating companies Motivation for...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
The Dance of Change
Save
Emphasizes the importance of organizational learning and adaptation, providing a framework for continuous improvement and innovation in the face of crises.
The Dance of Change
Paperback
Check
The Dance of Change
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books)
Save
Provides a comprehensive framework for innovation and growth, offering insights into how organizations can navigate disruptive technologies and market changes.
The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books)
Paperback
$$
The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books)
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Lean Six Sigma Pocket Toolbook: A Quick...
Save
This practical guide provides a collection of tools and techniques for improving quality and efficiency, which can be valuable for organizations seeking to optimize their operations during crises.
The Lean Six Sigma Pocket Toolbook: A Quick...
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
Engaging the Team at Zingerman’s Mail Order
Save
Offers insights into the principles and practices of the Toyota Production System, providing a framework for continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Engaging the Team at Zingerman’s Mail Order: A...
Paperback
$$
Engaging the Team at Zingerman’s Mail Order: A...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Course image
Time
48 hours
Level
Introductory
Via
Pluralsight
Instructor
Singularity University
Language
English
This course belongs to a collection called COVID-19: The State & Future of Pandemics. It's comprised of 21 courses:
  1. Perspectives from Responding to Other Outbreaks including SARS, Monkeypox, and Influenza
  2. A Practical Guide to Staying Healthy during COVID-19
  3. Slowing Contagion
  4. Curing Diseases & DNA
  5. Pandemics and Resilient Cities
  6. Leadership in the Time of COVID-19
  7. How Crowdsourcing and Mobile Devices Helped to Monitor Epidemics during the 2014 World Cup and Olympics 2016
  8. Food for Earth: Unleash the Regenerative Power of Food during and beyond the CoronaV-ERA
  9. Emerging Digital Technologies for Epidemic Management: Obstacles, Opportunities and Outcomes
  10. How Can You Use Data to Monitor Your Lifestyle (From Food to Exercise) to Boost Your Body’s Resilience Against Diseases?
  11. The Future of Safe Living in Self-Reliant Neighborhoods
  12. The Future of the Past: The Coronavirus Pandemic and the New Normal
  13. How AI Can Be Leveraged for the Increasing Threats of Future Pandemics
  14. Polarizing the Positive and Negative of Pandemics and Putting it into Action
  15. Using Virtual Worlds in a Time of Travel Disruption
  16. Five Ways Your Leadership Must Change To Thrive With Remote Work
  17. Remote & Distributed Work during Crises (viewing)
  18. Updates from the Field: How Governments and Organizations Are Responding
  19. Fake News and Media’s Role in Global Emergencies
  20. How You Can Take Action during Times of Uncertainty
  21. Closing Thoughts with Dr. Tiffany Vora
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Suitable for those who work from home or in hybrid situations, the course covers remote & distributed work during emergencies
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