I believe that the overall normalization of remote work since the pandemic is a huge positive because of how it offers the ability for more accommodation for people working and giving their two cents for projects. Though I believe that in person work is more preferable especially under the work of a project manager because it offers a much more personal dynamic. As a more hands-on learner, face to face conversations allow me explain more clearer my intentions for the project and what I plan to work on in the future. It's as if the eye contact allows for more free flowing conversation, I'm able to adjust and be more open to suggestions and in turn the project manager is as well. It's not that online meetings don't allow for these conversations because they certainly do, but with in person meetings it causes it to become more natural. In person meetings have the benefit of having people articulate their points better and going step by step discussing the plans for the project. I believe that for online project management to reach the same heights as in person adjustments need to be made on both ends for the structure to maintain the same. There should always be something tangible on the screen to accurately indicate progress, as well as not having long pauses of silence between each sentence. Online project management comes with an immediate presence of disengagement when it is just the manager giving orders or explaining what should be done. So to combat these disadvantages the person needs to treat it as if nothing had changed by not altering the tenure of their voice, making sure they stay engaged in the conversation even with outside forces and trusting one another that the work will get done.
I would prefer working under a project manager whose main form of communication is in person. Face to face interactions minimize the risk of misunderstanding and allow both individuals to observe tone and body language as opposed to sending an email or talking over the phone. With in person conversations, misunderstandings or miscommunication can be resolved on the spot. In person communication also makes the bond of coworkers stronger, whether it’s just saying good morning or asking where something is. I prefer this as opposed to talking to someone behind a screen. Emails and chats are great for quick, out of office updates, but for main communication, in person is superior in my opinion. If someone cannot make it in person, a Zoom call will also do. In person communication is quick and effective instead of waiting for an email on an unexpected decision that has to be made in a timely manner when dealing with medical testing, devices, assays, aminos, and chemicals that may decay quickly. I think online project management requires new skills and knowledge to adjust to a completely online environment especially if the meetings are of big groups with people who have their cameras off, are bored, and not interactive. Online team management would require activities and different forms of interaction like team bonding exercises to maintain the attention and cooperation of the team.
I believe that In-Person interaction for PMs and team members is substantially more preferable and effective to the success of a project. When together in a development setting, you can work closely with team members and understand each other's way of thinking in a more direct format compared to the online environment, as in-person environments encourage for more frequent and direct engagement between team members. This can allow for more fluidity and collaboration within the team as a whole, which allows the PM to more successfully lead the development of the project in an organized method. The PM themselves will also be able to learn more from their team members in terms of their talents, habits, and how they conduct certain processes within the project pipeline which will result in clear teamwork and communication as opposed to the online format.
While I believe that an online PM is possible, I think that usually an in person PM is generally better though it may depend on the specifics of the project. While obviously for entirely online teams an online PM would be the only option, for in person or hybrid teams, I think the biggest factors would be the team, and how involved the project is in person. The biggest advantage to an online PM would be a wider talent pool, since you could recruit from almost anywhere in the world, though you may have difficulties coordinating due to time zone differences the further you get. This could allow for handpicking extremely specific talent that perfectly suits your project. However, for in person PMs there is far more of an interpersonal aspect in being face to face, which is a major aspect of the role. However, another thing to consider would be the teams reactions and attitudes. Some people may be resentful of a manager who does not have to come into the office, which will compound lesser personal connection since they do not see them as much. Additionally, if a project is more personally involved it may be easier for the PM to be able to actually walk around and inspect or interact with things rather than having to request pictures or videos, or rely on written descriptions.
I prefer online project management due to the flexibility of the role and reduced time/money spent on commuting. However, in-person roles in project management are the best way to visualize the designs, communicate between departments, source resources, and conduct error analysis. When in-person, you are actively engaging with the product you are working on and the environment (team, manufacturing, materials) surrounding the project, you can pick out points of error or lag that can be fixed. For instance, you notice that the system currently printing models is damaged, which you discover is affecting data consistency, to which you had previously attributed it to design. Such issues are out of sight when remote. Furthermore, visualizing the project timeline, the project trials, current designs, and communication remotely requires more training on software and multiple platforms. Constantly navigating to different sites, forms, etc isn't efficient and cumbersome. However, an individual accustomed to remote project management can complete their functions on par or better to in person roles, yet that is up to the individual's learning agility and experience. That said, if you are in a remote project management role, how do you see your time being delegated between tasks?
I prefer working under a project manager who primarily communicates online. Online communication allows for more flexibility, especially for team members working from different locations. It also makes it easier to schedule meetings and share updates without wasting time on commuting. Tools such as email, video calls, and project management platforms help keep everyone informed and organized. Another benefit is that online communication creates written records, which reduces misunderstandings. Team members can review messages and project requirements at any time. In a remote setting, project managers need strong digital communication skills to keep teams engaged. They also need to clearly define expectations and deadlines. Overall, online project management requires new skills, but it can be just as effective as in-person management when done properly.
I would prefer to work under a project manager who communicates mainly in person because face-to-face interaction makes expectations clearer and helps prevent misunderstandings. Being able to read body language and tone also helps build trust and makes feedback feel more direct. However, online project management offers flexibility and convenience, especially for teams in different locations. Managers who work remotely need strong communication skills and must rely more on clear instructions and digital tools.
I think your perspective is really interesting, especially since you’ve experienced both fully in-person work during the pandemic and now a hybrid setup. I agree with you that in-person meetings often feel more productive because people are less likely to multitask and more likely to stay engaged. Your example of working with a project manager in Brazil also shows that remote management can work well when communication is clear, and everyone stays accountable.
Where I slightly differ is that I think online project management does require some adjustment, even if procedures stay the same, because managers have to be more intentional about clarity, follow-ups, and keeping people connected without face-to-face interaction.
I would prefer to work under a project manager that primarily communicates in person as I like that connection, and it makes me feel more involved in whatever project is being worked on. Having an online project manager is impersonable, and I inevitably lose interest in online work if it is not something that I enjoy. Some benefits of in person project managers are their availability, activeness in the working environment, and ability to make me feel part of a real team. I believe that online project managers need to adapt to this new environment and must be able to communicate effectively with their employees. Some of these new skills are clear written communication, the ability to set expectations and goals, active follow-ups, and proficiency with digital tools. Online project managers also have to be good about team engagement and maintaining a sense of connection with their workers.