Have you noticed that the further from face-to-face we get the more challenging it is to build trust? Here’s a favorite from 2014 that illustrates.

Tips for improved productivity and trust with your calls:

• Consider if it’d be more efficient to use group emailing or video-conferencing instead.
• Use a reliable system, like your phone company’s service or freeconferencecall.com.
• Test the connection with a colleague prior to the scheduled meeting time.
• Record the call so anyone that experience techical difficulties can listen to the part they missed while not slowing down the rest.
• If it’s a longer call, have someone take bullet-pointed notes to email to everyone after the call is over.
• At the beginning of the call, try to make quick introductions, if possible.
• Email an agenda so others know what to expect or to bring clarity for yourself. 
• Keep each part of the call as short as possible.
• Pause occasionally and ask if everyone is on the same page.
• Remember to use the mute button while making excess noise.
• Avoid speaker phone to avoid extra noice to the others.
• Think about getting a headset, so you can use your hands to type or write notes.
• Create a questions section so you don’t interrupt flow but also don’t forget important point of clarification.
• Wrap-up the call with a summary and assignments for the next steps.