Email, chat, video conference, shared drive: digital collaboration rarely fails because of technology. Usually what is missing are clear agreements about who uses which channel for what, how difficult topics are raised and how trust is built across distance.
I know both sides: as a trainer I work with teams in public authorities, universities and companies. Before that I spent several years in IT and digital support at the University of Tübingen and helped shape the shift to digital teaching and administration. That is why I connect communication and technology in a very practical way.
Typical situations
- The flood of emails eats up the working day.
- Everyone in the team uses a different tool.
- Misunderstandings in chat escalate quickly.
- Video conferences are long, tiring and not very productive.
- Moderating virtual sessions is hard without eye contact and a shared room.
- Constant interruptions prevent focused work.