Asynchronous work was a rare concept just a short while ago, but it is now fast becoming a norm. With many companies now operating on an “async-first” basis, there’s a pressing question: How can businesses ensure that cohesion and collaboration don’t get lost in the shuffle?
Adam Nathan, CEO of Almanac, is mind at the forefront of this shift. He brings a refreshing perspective to the table. Rather than treating remote and asynchronous as interchangeable terms, he offers a nuanced view. Asynchronous doesn’t mean devoid of human connection. The two aren’t mutually exclusive.
For starters, Nathan suggests that companies should not forsake the human touch. Sure, you can work asynchronously, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have periodic team meet-ups. Whether virtual or in-person, these meet-ups help teams bond. They offer a chance for colleagues to build relationships, share feedback, and discuss new ideas. In essence, it’s an opportunity to fill the void that the lack of daily face-to-face interaction can sometimes create.
Almanac itself, under Nathan’s guidance, has built a culture that champions these periodic meet-ups. They understand that while their primary modus operandi is asynchronous, the occasional touchpoint, be it in person or via a video call, can invigorate a team and reinforce camaraderie.
So, what about collaboration? How do async-first companies ensure that teams aren’t working in silos, that the left hand knows what the right hand is doing?
Nathan’s solution hinges on the power of shared documentation. By creating canonical versions of documents, from contracts to marketing copy, teams have a unified resource they can turn to. This shared repository ensures that employees aren’t working in isolation. Instead, they’re building on top of collective knowledge. Almanac’s Core, a community layer, is a testament to this. It allows anyone to publish and share work samples, making sure that all team members have access to the same, up-to-date resources.
However, it’s not just about sharing work; it’s about evolving it. Nathan emphasizes the importance of collaboration across organizations. In an age where many problems being tackled are global in nature, businesses can’t afford to be insular. Sharing insights, knowledge, and resources across organizations, even industries, can pave the way for solutions that are more robust, more innovative, and more impactful.
Drawing on Almanac’s vision, Nathan believes that if teams are working on systemic challenges – be it climate change or infrastructure development – they should share documents and knowledge. This approach not only aids in solution development but also critiques and improvements. The aim is synergy. As Nathan aptly puts it, it’s about making sure “one plus one really does equal three.”
The core idea here is that collaboration is not a mere corporate checkbox to be ticked. It’s a powerful tool that can fuel innovation, drive efficiency, and bring about societal change. But for that to happen, businesses must be proactive. They need to build systems and cultures that promote collaboration, even in an asynchronous environment.
To circle back to our original question: How can async-first companies build cohesion and a collaborative spirit? The answer lies in understanding the balance. Yes, asynchronous work is powerful, but it’s the human touchpoints and collaborative tools that make it effective. If you’re a leader or a team member in such a setting, the next step is clear: champion those touchpoints, invest in shared resources, and prioritize collaboration, even when working asynchronously.