By now, most of us have figured out the necessity and power of video meetings in this work from home (WFH) reality. Do your pre-leg work about video conferencing. Pre-check the sound of your voice, background noise and visual distractions. Remember you should mute when you are not speaking. There is also the little know filter option to your video display that gives your face a softer look and minimizes the appearance of imperfections. Its nothing like Instagram filters though.
Set yourself and the team up for success to FOCUS on the task-at-hand and move as a team.
Here are EIGHT COMMON SENSE tips to make any video meeting super productive:
- Set a clear agenda with topics and time-block allocation. Build in time for discussion. If you are the host, your role is to moderate and keep things on track and focused.
- Go into the meeting prepared with your clear and concise update. Stick to the agenda as there is only so much time.
- Be on time and respect the time of other people. I think it is also a great insight into your work ethic in terms of timeliness.
- Get a grip as this is NOT a therapy session. Minimize your take on the WFH & situation. Seriously, we all have issues that we are all coping with, in one form or another
- Be mindful not to disrupt. Try to make sure that your children understand that this is an important meeting and that you will be with them shortly. If you have a partner, this is the time for them to look after the kids. If you have a backyard let your dog play outdoors to keep barking to a minimum. Things happen, and we all have to be understanding in this new reality.
- Be Kind in the meeting as some of the team may have personal issues that they may not want to share.
- Set clear NEXT STEPS with clear timelines, deliverables and accountability.
- Last but not least, if you are the host, schedule your meetings smart based on the collective and not your schedule. Nothing too early or late afternoon. If you have been scheduling Friday late afternoon or first thing Monday, do rethink that.
Be a REAL team player and do your part. If you are having any personal issues, speak to your direct report for help and potentially, re-allocate your workload. If you are the lead, do your part and lead.
On the upside, do not forget to relish the time saved commuting. Consider upgrading your skills. Spend more quality time with the family. Do not forget to stay in shape with the many free videos out there. If you are a parent, you will also be setting an example for your kids.
More important, KEEP WELL, STAY-AT-HOME and practice PHYSICAL DISTANCING when you are out.
