Ping: The Secrets of Successful Virtual Communication by Andrew Brodsky
Ping
Subtitle: The Secrets of Successful Virtual Communication
Author: Andrew Brodsky
Genre: Nonfiction, Workplace Books
Publish Date: February 2025
Read: March 2025
Favorite Quote: Whereas the old way of thinking was that in-person communication is always better, newer research has now demonstrated that isn’t always the case. There are often trade-offs to communicating in person, and in many situations, video calls, phone calls, email, and even text messages have been shown to be the superior mode of communication.
Synopsis: Regardless of whether you’re a remote or in-office worker, we are all virtual communicators. So, how do we communicate effectively, with the right tool, at the right time? Through Brodksy’s PING framework (see what he did?), he teaches readers how to evaluate situations, tools, and context to choose the best and most authentic way to communicate. He highlights situations like his own cancer diagnosis, the Betterment layoffs which went viral, and explores ways we can use tech for good (rather than as a means to burnout).
Why does this book beguile? Workplace books are my bread and butter, so I was delighted to happen across this book (thanks Adam Grant for the rec). As a remote worker (by choice!), I am constantly looking for ways to help facilitate communication and boundaries at work, with coworkers, and with clients. I loved the contextualizing of the PING framework to help determine what’s more email appropriate, versus a phone call (like a real call!), versus a video chat. There’s a time and place for all of these, and balancing them will help make you the best communicator you can be — without being constantly “on” and pushing yourself to burn out.
Bookshop.Org Link*: Ping: The Secrets of Successful Virtual Communication by Andrew Brodsky
Amazon Link*: Ping: The Secrets of Successful Virtual Communication by Andrew Brodsky
If you’re interested in this, read*: Reset:How to Change What's Not Working by Dan Heath / Bookshop.Org
