Bursty communication, a concept where team members exchange ideas rapidly followed by longer periods of silence, can help remote teams thrive. It’s found to be more effective than constant communication, which can cause information overload and reduce productivity. Bursty communication allows team members to have focused, uninterrupted work periods, promoting creativity and problem-solving.
The success of bursty communication in remote teams relies on the synchronisation of active and quiet periods among team members. This leads to a sense of shared rhythm, fostering a stronger team identity and improving coordination. It also allows for knowledge sharing and innovation as ideas are exchanged during active periods.
To implement bursty communication, teams need to set shared expectations about response times and establish specific times for rapid communication. Asynchronous communication tools can be used to facilitate this process. It’s also important to respect quiet periods and avoid unnecessary interruptions.
Overall, bursty communication is a strategy that can improve productivity, innovation, and team cohesion in remote work settings. It requires careful planning and implementation, but can have significant benefits for teams working remotely.
Go to source article: https://behavioralscientist.org/bursty-communication-can-help-remote-teams-thrive/