Most leaders had experience with video conferencing prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, it seems that it’s everywhere. Resources such as GoToMeeting, TEAMs (Microsoft Office) and the now ubiquitous Zoom have overnight become essential communication tools.
Leaders who are managing a remote workforce should use one of these as part of frequent check ins with your teams. It gives you a little more information on how your staff is doing when you can see their faces on video rather than simply listening on a conference call.
During this period of sheltering at home, video can help people feel more connected and it makes people feel less isolated.
Of course, there will always be those employees, head in hand and slumped over, who will make you wonder if they are bored, unengaged, or simply not interested. In these cases, make sure you follow up one-on-one to get a better sense of what may be going on that can affect their work.
Be creative in your use of video. Have a staff meeting over lunch, for example, where people eat at their desks while meeting. Even better, tomorrow why not set up a virtual happy hour at the end of the day where people can connect in a less formal way.
And if you’ve wondered how to create a better visual while you’re on video, here are some tips from my client, The Lighting Design Group:
+ If your meeting is during the day, sit in front of a window so the sun is lighting you (if it’s direct light).
+ If that’s not an option, use a light with a soft shade on either side.
+ Remember to raise your computer or camera to eye level.
Feel free to email back and let me know how you are using video creatively.