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Mozilla is a global open-source project
with thousands of contributors,
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as well as about 1200 employees.
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We are all around the globe,
because we hire the best people,
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wherever they are.
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We have 10 global offices,
but 48% of our employees work remotely
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from anywhere
they have power and internet.
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If people are in incompatible time zones
and there are recurring meetings,
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alternate the time,
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so the same people aren't
always making exceptions.
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Make sure
everyone can stay informed.
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It's even more important
to have a clear agenda
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and capture
written action items in context.
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Maybe record the meeting.
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Make sure everyone who needs to be there
has been invited.
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Think of groups outside
your own volunteers or etc.
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As the meeting facilitator,
make sure that everyone has a voice:
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introverts,
as well as extroverts.
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Rotate administrative duties
in the meeting,
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so the same people are not always
at a disadvantage
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when trying to participate.
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Different cultures communicate differently
both verbally and non-verbally.
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For example,
a head nod may mean agreement to some,
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or just a way to pass the time for others,
not yet in agreement.
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Being spread across so many time zones,
much of our communication is asynchronous,
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including socialization that traditionally
take place around a water cooler.
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Everyone needs to make a special effort
to be inclusive and communicative.
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A sign of a good writer is one who takes
constructive feedback
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and makes a good communication great.
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Clearly thinking about your desired
outcome before you communicate
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results in a much higher success rate.
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When thinking about what to write or say,
put yourself in your audience's shoes.
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You're all smart people,
but for your first six months to a year,
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and sometimes even beyond,
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you are sometimes going to
feel overwhelmed and lost.
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Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
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Much of what we write is accessed
by others forever.
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Is there enough context for someone to
pick up where you left off?
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Someone who reads it next week/next year
will they understand?
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We have so many modes of communication
that it's hard to know
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which to use and
where to look for information.
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When you are creating information,
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it's best to ensure
it's easy to locate,
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easy to search,
and open for everyone to contribute to.
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Be proactive in building trust
and personal relationships
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before you need them.
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People are more understanding
and willing to cooperate
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when things get rough,
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if they see you as a real person,
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and not a faceless typist
on the other side of a computer screen.
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Be positive and assume positive intent.
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No one comes to work thinking about
how to do an awful job.
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We are all here because
we want Mozilla to be successful.
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We want people at Mozilla
to be passionate and open-minded.
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Stand up for your ideas,
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but be just as passionate
about listening to those of others.
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Nonverbal communication,
like tone and body language,
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are extremely important, especially for
emotionally charged situations.
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If things seem to be going poorly,
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you can help smooth them over
by getting on a phone or a video call,
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listening and showing your empathy.
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Remote worker guilt
can cause you to put in longer hours
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and have a harder time
defining your boundaries for work.
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Establishing a schedule is important
as a remote worker.
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It helps in office employees
know when you're expected at your desk.
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More importantly, it lets them know
when your day is over.
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Make the mental switch
by doing specific things to quote commute
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to and from work.
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Dont' forget to eat lunch,
take breaks stretch and go outside.
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Try showing up to video calls
two minutes early.
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The premeeting banter can form bonds
with your teammates.
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Avoid out-of-sight out-of-mind syndrome.
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Be passionate and vocal.
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Leave a digital paper trail
by frequently updating your status,
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letting people know
what you are working on.
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Sometimes remoties get the question
"When will you be in the office next?"
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I say "I'm in the office everyday,
except Saturday and Sunday.
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Reach out anytime".
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To find other remoties,
check the pound away team IRC
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and slack channels,
as well as regional groups.
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Tips on this
here and on the remote Amanar.
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[Music]