While it may be astounding that we can have a virtual meeting with people on different continents, it can also be frustrating.

雖然我們能與來自世界各大洲的人們開虛擬會議可能很令人驚嘆，但同時也可能很令人感到挫折。

And these frustrations can affect morale, engagement, productivity, and innovation.

而這些挫折可能影響士氣、溝通緊密度、生產力還有創造力。

When changes in the ways we communicate lead to changes in how others perceive our communications, this calls for a new set of protocols and behaviors.

當改變的溝通方式也改變了我們理解他人訊息的方式，這需要一套新的溝通方式還有行為。

Authors Erica Dhawan and Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic have a few rules of thumb for communicating with remote teams.

作者 Erica Dhawan 與 Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic 提供了一些經驗法則給需要遠距離溝通的團隊。

First, since clarity and consistency are key, sticking to a set of agreed upon norms can help avoid confusion.

第一，因為資訊清晰度與一致性是關鍵，遵循一套共同約定的準則可以有效避免資訊混淆。

This could range from a set of acronyms about expected response times to standardizing use of particular communication platforms.

其中包括訂定關於資訊回覆時間的縮寫字，乃至標準化溝通平台等等。

Next, remember that you can never be too clear.

接下來，記得資訊溝通只有更清楚，沒有最清楚。

Unless you've established a shorthand protocol ahead of time, don't assume others understand your brevity.

除非你在這之前就已經建立了使用縮寫的溝通模式，不然不要假設別人可以理解你的縮寫。

Take the extra time to be extra clear, regardless of the medium.

無論透過怎樣的方式，多花一點額外的時間讓資訊更清楚。

Third, don't bombard your team with messages.

第三，不要訊息轟炸你的團隊。

Each time you email, text, or call imagine that you are physically walking into your colleagues workspace.

每一次你寄郵件、傳簡訊或打電話，想像你正在工作場所與他們面對面溝通。

If you followed up an email by text and phone, it would be like opening their office door three times in a row.

如果你在寄了郵件之後又是傳簡訊又是打電話的，這就像你連續打開你同事辦公室的門三次一樣。

Minimize your digital volume, and think wisely before hitting send.

將你數位資訊量最小化，並且三思後再按下傳送鍵。

Fourth, notice that team members who are more introverted in person can really benefit from written communications.

第四，請留意如果你的團隊成員是個內向的人，使用文字溝通會更有效率。

Physical barriers can actually level the playing field for those who may be less inclined to speak in group settings.

有了物理上的屏障，這些不偏好在團體中發言的人會更加自在。

Lastly, find ways to celebrate and socialize remotely to strengthen relationships between team members and improve collaboration.

最後，尋找可以遠距離慶祝與社交的方法，強化團隊成員間的感情並改善合作能力。

Even a simple switch from conference calls to video, for instance, can boost rapport and create empathy.

就算是一個簡單的轉換，從語音開會變成視訊會議，都可以使關係更融洽和增加共鳴。

The challenges of remote teams will not disappear, but creating consistent rules, rituals, and protocols will go a long way in building a new communication skill set.

遠端團隊合作的挑戰不會消失，但創造一致的溝通法則、規矩還有模式，對於建立新溝通技巧將會有很大的幫助。