Consider the ways that COVID can boost your visibility, impact, and career. Virtual meetings provide many often-overlooked opportunities.
Employees have struggled to adapt to working from home with social isolation and household distractions. Even so, some have found ways to exploit a virtual workplace to their advantage.
Be seen
When employees meet in a physical space, people quickly settle into a seating arrangement, choosing the same spots in every meeting. While this is comfortable, any seating pattern favors certain people over others. Based upon distance from the leader, individuals are more or less likely to be heard. According to Dr. Richard Winters, “where you sit in a meeting directly influences your effectiveness.” Unless the leader is next to you, sitting in the middle of a rectangular table ensures that you are “forgotten and overlooked.”¹
Virtual meetings, on the other hand, typically show everyone’s face in order of log in. No one has an “assigned” seat, providing a more level playing field. If you were always relegated to the far end of the table, you can enhance your power and visibility.
Be heard
Some people are habitually quiet in meetings. If you are one of those, you are placing yourself at a disadvantage. “If you want to make an impact, be willing to speak up and speak out . . . Leaders are never silent in meetings,” advises Lolly Daskal.² In virtual meetings the other participants cannot see everything that you are doing, so it’s easy to write notes and compose your thoughts. A good facilitator will call on everyone. If that’s not happening, be sure to raise your hand and have something to say.
Perhaps you are already vocal in meetings. If so, use virtual meetings to practice your listening skills. Mute yourself and take notes on what other people are saying. When you do speak, be sure to refer to something that has already been said.
Be understood
While most body language is lost in a virtual setting, facial expressions are more obvious. Plus, you can choose your background to suit your personality or message. By paying close attention to these factors, you can increase your personal influence.
According to Darlene Price, author of Well Said!: Presentations and Conversations that Get Results, “sending the right nonverbal cues is critically important if you want to communicate clearly, lead effectively, influence others, and advance your cause.”³
Observe yourself and improve
By exploiting these opportunities, you ensure that your message is heard. Finally, you can record virtual meetings. Assess how often you speak, how you express yourself physically and how people react to your statements. Adjust accordingly. When you upgrade your communication and influence, you will enhance your performance and career opportunities.
[1]Where Do You Sit In A Meeting?: The 4 Power Positions :w Richard Winters MD
[2]10 Ways You Can Make an Impressive Impact at Work | Inc.com
[3]Nonverbal Communication: 7 Cues that Convey Confidence and Credibility (constantcontact.com)
Very useful practical advice