Thrive Through Async: Rethinking Meetings for the Modern Workplace (4/5)
Async meetings aren’t magic. They won’t work without thoughtful design. But the good news? Every challenge has a solution. Let’s tackle them head-on.
Challenge 1: Slow responses.
If people don’t engage, async flops.
Fix it:
- Set clear due dates.
- Tag people for input.
- Reinforce norms: “We reply within 24 hours” becomes the cultural expectation.
Challenge 2: Miscommunication.
Without real-time clarity, messages can get misinterpreted.
Fix it:
- Encourage video responses (Loom is gold for tone!).
- Always provide context.
- Use bullet points and bolding to make info skimmable.
Challenge 3: It feels impersonal.
No “face time” can leave people disconnected.
Fix it:
- Mix async with intentional synchronous moments.
- Use async channels for personal wins, celebrations, and human connection.
Remember, this is about evolving how we collaborate, not eliminating human interaction. Async frees us to use synchronous time for what matters most: connection, creativity, and energy.
Next up: What async unlocks when it works – the full picture of its benefits.
Listen in to learn even more:
