Leveraging Pre-Watch for Efficient Asynchronous Communication

Introduction

This guide focuses on how to use the pre-watch strategy with Loom to enhance communication and collaboration while potentially reducing the number of meetings. By adopting this approach, you can be a catalyst for change in your organization, promoting efficient and effective asynchronous communication.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Understanding the Pre-Watch Concept

A pre-watch is a video recorded before a meeting that conveys information or discusses topics that would typically be covered during the meeting. This method allows for asynchronous communication, where colleagues can view the content at their convenience and provide feedback.

Recording Your First Loom

Begin by recording a Loom video that addresses a topic or meeting agenda. You can start by sending it to a single colleague to introduce them to asynchronous communication. This simple act can initiate a shift towards fewer and more efficient meetings at your workplace.

Assessing Meetings for Pre-Watch Potential

Look at your upcoming meetings to identify which ones involve a one-way dissemination of information. These meetings are prime candidates for a pre-watch, as the information can be easily communicated through a video.

Assessing if meetings are a one-way dissemination of information

Sending a Pre-Watch Instead of Scheduling Meetings

For instance, if you have a presentation review with your manager, send them a Loom video going through your slides and highlighting areas where you need input, instead of setting up a conventional meeting.

Sending a Loom instead of scheduling a presentation review meeting

Encouraging Collaboration and Reducing Meeting Time

When your colleague watches your Loom and provides comments and reactions, it sets the stage for a more collaborative and focused live meeting. This process ensures that the meeting time is used for interactive discussions rather than going through information that could have been pre-watched.

Collaborative meeting following a Loom pre-watch

Replacing Meetings with Loom Recordings

Sometimes, it's clear that a meeting is unnecessary, and the same objectives can be achieved asynchronously. In such cases, cancel the meeting and send a Loom recording of your thoughts instead. This allows everyone to contribute at their own pace and saves valuable time.

Canceling a meeting in favor of a Loom recording

Selecting Meetings for Pre-Watch

Reflect on your upcoming meetings and decide which ones could be more efficient with a pre-watch. Over time, you might find that some meetings can be replaced entirely with Loom videos.

Deciding on meetings that could benefit from a pre-watch

Starting with a Pre-Watch

Begin experimenting with the pre-watch concept, and encourage your team to participate. This practice can lead to more effective communication and a reduction in unnecessary meetings.

Conclusion

By implementing the pre-watch strategy using Loom, you can transform the way you and your colleagues communicate asynchronously. This guide has outlined the steps to identify opportunities for pre-watches, create and share Loom videos, and foster a collaborative environment that may lead to fewer meetings. Embrace this change and start enjoying the benefits of efficient communication. Happy recording!