🎒 Microlesson

🪞 Reflect

When you start your workday, do you already know what to focus on—or do you wait for direction from others?

💡 Concept

Autonomy is one of the biggest benefits of remote work, but it requires intention. Working autonomously means proactively identifying your work priorities, taking ownership of projects and tasks, and moving forward without waiting for constant input.

Small, consistent actions can help you strengthen your autonomy without feeling isolated:

🧭 Clarify Success
Before starting a task, ask yourself: What does successfully completing it look like? If you’re not sure, create a draft based on your best assumption and then check in before working to refine it.

Example: If you’re asked to “write a client update,” you might create a one-page summary that includes key project milestones and next steps. Share it as a draft, so your manager can confirm or adjust your expectations before you polish your work.

📋 Prioritize Proactively
Instead of waiting for assignments, create your own ranked list of tasks based on what you already know about deadlines, goals, and how each task will impact the team or project as a whole.

Example: If you have three open tasks (writing a report, answering emails, updating documentation), you might rank them:

1. Finish the report that is due tomorrow.

2. Update the documentation since others are waiting on it.

3. Tackle emails at the end of the day.

🛠 Solve Before You Ask
When you’re blocked, brainstorm 2–3 possible solutions before seeking help. This shows initiative and speeds up the resolution process.

Example: If a spreadsheet formula isn’t working, try a quick search or test two alternative formulas before messaging a colleague for help. Share what you’ve tried already—it shows that you’re proactive and saves everyone time.

🔍 Search First
Check shared docs, project boards, or past conversation threads before asking your teammates for help. Independent learning builds confidence.

Example: Before pinging your teammate to ask “Where’s the template?” search your team’s shared drive or project management tool. Often the answer you need has already been documented.

📢 Make Work Visible
Document your progress in a shared space so teammates can see each other’s contributions without needing reminders or having to ask.

Example: Update your ClickUp or Asana task with a short note: “Draft completed—ready for review.” That way, others don’t have to chase you for updates, and you avoid micromanagement.

🎬 Take Action

Choose one tactic this week to work more autonomously:

• Share your top 3 daily priorities asynchronously with your team.

• If you hit a roadblock, find two options to try before asking for help. 

• Keep a “decision log” of how you solve small problems independently.

• Spend 15 minutes exploring your organizations's documentation and knowledge bases.

• Draft a plan or proposal proactively instead of waiting for direction.

🧠 Keep Learning

Learn how to work autonomously in a remote setting with the Remote Work Certification program. 

✅ Check In

🎁 Learn with your team!

Refer our weekly microlessons to your team members to learn as a group! Just follow the instructions in the section below to get started.