When remote, you need to make the best of the "little box" opportunity. Remain engaged. Make sure you speak and, if it's a call with people who don't know you, fully introduce yourself. In my remote/pandemic era work with a big organization, I did feel seen because I was a senior leader on the call. It was harder for folks on the hybrid side who were sitting in a large conference room and where not face to face with those on the screens.
To make sure I'm getting you: You think it's easier when everyone is on Zoom, vs. some people on Zoom, some together in a room. And your experience was in that latter scenario, it was actually harder for the people in a room together? This is interesting to me!
My first remote-first role was in 2018--before the Pandemic. I led a global team, and about four months into the role made my first international trip to meet team members in Europe. This was the first time I'd hear what I became quite used to hearing from new colleagues in a remote culture: (said kindly) I had no idea you were so short! As one person on my team said it: "You talk taller!" I had never considered before that remote work could enhance my presence, LOL!
Yes, you are reading that right. This is very specific to meetings and to the broad remote-work environment. In a hybrid situation where a crowd of people are either around a large conference table away from the screen or in a large meeting room where the screen takes in the whole room it is hard for the majority in that room to be seen and sometimes to be heard when they speak to those remote. They may back off because it's a frustrating experience. Those in the boxes may in fact be larger than life and must stay focused on the discussion or it's obvious they are not. I worked for one leader who demanded 'cameras on' in those settings. There was better interaction when folks sat at individual screens even from their desks and were seen equally on the call.
As for the broader discussion, in-office conversations take place formally or informally without those not in the room at times (where video calls are not being used). That can leave expertise and opinions untapped and workers unheard.
Thanks for elaborating. As someone who was sometimes the only remote person and felt very frustrated, your insight into the frustration in the room is really interesting to me.
When remote, you need to make the best of the "little box" opportunity. Remain engaged. Make sure you speak and, if it's a call with people who don't know you, fully introduce yourself. In my remote/pandemic era work with a big organization, I did feel seen because I was a senior leader on the call. It was harder for folks on the hybrid side who were sitting in a large conference room and where not face to face with those on the screens.
To make sure I'm getting you: You think it's easier when everyone is on Zoom, vs. some people on Zoom, some together in a room. And your experience was in that latter scenario, it was actually harder for the people in a room together? This is interesting to me!
My first remote-first role was in 2018--before the Pandemic. I led a global team, and about four months into the role made my first international trip to meet team members in Europe. This was the first time I'd hear what I became quite used to hearing from new colleagues in a remote culture: (said kindly) I had no idea you were so short! As one person on my team said it: "You talk taller!" I had never considered before that remote work could enhance my presence, LOL!
Heh, I get that a lot too. I don't mind it :)
In some ways, it worked against tall men who often dominate a room.
Totally.
Yes, you are reading that right. This is very specific to meetings and to the broad remote-work environment. In a hybrid situation where a crowd of people are either around a large conference table away from the screen or in a large meeting room where the screen takes in the whole room it is hard for the majority in that room to be seen and sometimes to be heard when they speak to those remote. They may back off because it's a frustrating experience. Those in the boxes may in fact be larger than life and must stay focused on the discussion or it's obvious they are not. I worked for one leader who demanded 'cameras on' in those settings. There was better interaction when folks sat at individual screens even from their desks and were seen equally on the call.
As for the broader discussion, in-office conversations take place formally or informally without those not in the room at times (where video calls are not being used). That can leave expertise and opinions untapped and workers unheard.
Thanks for elaborating. As someone who was sometimes the only remote person and felt very frustrated, your insight into the frustration in the room is really interesting to me.