The way we feel can be triggered by outside events.
And
that can change how we act.
And
the way we act can reinforce how we feel.
Of
course, the opposite is true as well, and far more in our active control.
How we act always changes how we
feel.
Two mood-changing actions:
1. This
is a perfect moment for upskilling. For a sprint in learning something difficult to learn. Not
because a teacher or a leader made us do it, but because we chose to. Not only
do we get to keep that skill forever, but
the act of taking control and expending the effort will change our mood.
My upskilling focus? Continuing to add skills and practice conducting activities for
our interactive virtual learning experience sessions.
2. And this is the perfect moment for generous
connection. Going way beyond the
news of the day, we have the chance to create intimate digital interactions
that last.
How are we creating connection at Aha!
Leadership remotely? We are holding virtual coffee breaks. We are designating 20 minutes for casual
conversation via video chat. We are
celebrating wins, exchanging personal updates and even sharing a funny meme or
two. It provides us the positive
connection people crave.
Who says you can’t have cake with coffee? Our intern turned 20 years old this week and here is a picture
of us celebrating with her virtually…pajamas and all! While it may not be her ideal way to
celebrate her new decade, I am sure it will be one she will retell fondly for
years to come. A little coordination
with a family member for the surprise went a long way!
It’s
a significant posture shift, one which might change who you see when you look
in the mirror.
We
might not be able to do anything about external events, but we have control
over our actions. Sometimes, it’s hard to stare right into that opportunity,
because it comes with a lot of responsibility.
As leaders of our teams, our families, people
are watching….what can we model? What
will you learn today? Who will you teach?
As we acknowledge our ‘new normal’ for engaging in business, including working remotely, we want to help make your online meetings meaningful and productive with these tips for video conferencing.
1. Computer positioning. Position your computer back a little to create a shoulder/headshot view vs. face only, so everyone does not feel on top of each other. 2. Prop to eye level. Prop your computer webcam up to eye level. Try using a ream of paper under your laptop to position it up for web calls. 3. Turn on your video camera. Humanize the meeting by turning on your camera so people can see you – and set the standard for others to do the same. We are social creatures and this aids connection. 4. Use a headset. Use an external microphone or headset to eliminate background noise. 5. Hit mute. When you’re not talking, hit mute. 6. Unclutter your background….position it for a less cluttered background. Some services even allow you to blur your background. 7.Momentarily unshare if… you need to walk away, let the team know and unshare your screen for a moment. 8. Add a professional picture to your webinar profile, so if you are unable to share your screen, people can still see your smiling face. 9. Don’t sit with the window behind you. The glare is blinding for others. A little effort on lighting goes a very long way. 10. Look at the camera. When you’re talking, spend some time looking at the camera, not the screen. You’ll appear more earnest and honest this way. 11. When you’re talking, go slow. To ensure understanding while using this new medium for many. 12. Don’t walk if you’re using a phone. And if you’re using a laptop, put it on a desk/table and prop it to be eye level vs. on your lap. 13. Organize yourself and materials before the meeting if you are hosting. Have all your documents open that you will be sharing during the meeting so you can share your screen vs. scrolling through your computer folders while on the call. 14. Assign a partner to aid you as the meeting host. They can help with follow-up or aid people with technical issues or manage the webinar chat box so that it does not derail the rest of the participants. 15. Have an email/cell phone list of participants available if you need to email or provide information while on the call. 16.…and remember to SMILE! It uplifts you and all during this social distancing time in our lives.
For many, working remotely is new and for others, it is not. We all need to practice patience and empathy as we learn this ‘new normal’ together.
People want to connect and have a conversation. They don’t want to be talked to. So remember to slow down, engage and talk with people. Connecting as human beings will add more value than making sure you get through all of your content.
We, at Aha! Leadership, have been working remotely and conducting training in a webinar format for 10 years. If we can help answer any questions or just want to pick our brain, please reach out to us. We would be happy to be there for you!
“The human has been working from home the last couple of days and every so often, they let me participate in the video calls. All the other humans cheer when they see me. I am the only thing holding their company together.” — Dogs everywhere
