Working on Distributed Teams at Mozilla

This video is about Remoties

Mozilla is a global open-source project
with thousands of contributors,

as well as about 1200 employees.

We are all around the globe,
because we hire the best people,

wherever they are.

We have 10 global offices,
but 48% of our employees work remotely

from anywhere
they have power and internet.

If people are in incompatible time zones
and there are recurring meetings,

alternate the time,

so the same people aren't
always making exceptions.

Make sure
everyone can stay informed.

It's even more important
to have a clear agenda

and capture
written action items in context.

Maybe record the meeting.

Make sure everyone who needs to be there
has been invited.

Think of groups outside
your own volunteers or etc.

As the meeting facilitator,
make sure that everyone has a voice:

introverts,
as well as extroverts.

Rotate administrative duties
in the meeting,

so the same people are not always
at a disadvantage

when trying to participate.

Different cultures communicate differently
both verbally and non-verbally.

For example,
a head nod may mean agreement to some,

or just a way to pass the time for others,
not yet in agreement.

Being spread across so many time zones,
much of our communication is asynchronous,

including socialization that traditionally
take place around a water cooler.

Everyone needs to make a special effort
to be inclusive and communicative.

A sign of a good writer is one who takes
constructive feedback

and makes a good communication great.

Clearly thinking about your desired
outcome before you communicate

results in a much higher success rate.

When thinking about what to write or say,
put yourself in your audience's shoes.

You're all smart people,
but for your first six months to a year,

and sometimes even beyond,

you are sometimes going to
feel overwhelmed and lost.

Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.

Much of what we write is accessed
by others forever.

Is there enough context for someone to
pick up where you left off?

Someone who reads it next week/next year
will they understand?

We have so many modes of communication
that it's hard to know

which to use and
where to look for information.

When you are creating information,

it's best to ensure
it's easy to locate,

easy to search,
and open for everyone to contribute to.

Be proactive in building trust
and personal relationships

before you need them.

People are more understanding
and willing to cooperate

when things get rough,

if they see you as a real person,

and not a faceless typist
on the other side of a computer screen.

Be positive and assume positive intent.

No one comes to work thinking about
how to do an awful job.

We are all here because
we want Mozilla to be successful.

We want people at Mozilla
to be passionate and open-minded.

Stand up for your ideas,

but be just as passionate
about listening to those of others.

Nonverbal communication,
like tone and body language,

are extremely important, especially for
emotionally charged situations.

If things seem to be going poorly,

you can help smooth them over
by getting on a phone or a video call,

listening and showing your empathy.

Remote worker guilt
can cause you to put in longer hours

and have a harder time
defining your boundaries for work.

Establishing a schedule is important
as a remote worker.

It helps in office employees
know when you're expected at your desk.

More importantly, it lets them know
when your day is over.

Make the mental switch
by doing specific things to quote commute

to and from work.

Dont' forget to eat lunch,
take breaks stretch and go outside.

Try showing up to video calls
two minutes early.

The premeeting banter can form bonds
with your teammates.

Avoid out-of-sight out-of-mind syndrome.

Be passionate and vocal.

Leave a digital paper trail
by frequently updating your status,

letting people know
what you are working on.

Sometimes remoties get the question
"When will you be in the office next?"

I say "I'm in the office everyday,
except Saturday and Sunday.

Reach out anytime".

To find other remoties,
check the pound away team IRC

and slack channels,
as well as regional groups.

Tips on this
here and on the remote Amanar.

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