Not another VC call
A number of us have become pretty good at using video conferencing (VC) these days. I would not say that I am a master, but I am slowly getting there. My VC platforms have been Zoom, FaceTime, Skype, Whereby and this week it will be Microsoft Teams. During some of these calls I have experienced moments that some people would want to hit replay and do over again, but we are all learning on these new ways of working.
For most of us, living and working through video conferencing is fairly new and has brought about two challenges: replicating the work collaboration environment and no longer having that barrier that separates one from work and their personal life. This week, I thought I would share a couple of ideas that were shared with me on how to deal with these challenges.
Collaborating
How do you create that feeling of bumping into someone in the hallway to grab a quick conversation? If you are the leader with an office, how do you leave your ‘office door’ open so anyone can come in to shoot the breeze or talk to you about a topic they need your help or guidance on. Instead of setting up yet another VC meeting, why not dedicate an hour to work at your desk and leave your VC channel open. This way anyone can just pop in to talk as if they met you in the hallway or stepped into ‘your office’. The conversation may trigger you to bring someone else into the conversation to collaborate even further.
I miss taking a walk with a colleague to get a tea, coffee or a snack just to get a mental break from the day. How about taking that 15- or 30-minute mental break by playing an online game with a colleague? We all need a mental break from being in front of our work or on another VC. There are plenty of online games that you will have fun with and feel energized afterwards to tackle that email you are trying to find the right words to reply with.
Work and Personal life
One of the benefits of the work and personal life barrier falling, is that we realize that we are more similar than not. We also need to ensure we give each other the time and respect with this barrier falling as people are managing work and life at the same time and at times, in the same room with you.
One way a leader is appreciating their co-worker’s work-life balance is by sending pancake mix to their co-workers’ home so they can enjoy it with their family over the weekend. The leader only asks that everyone send a picture of their favorite pancake shape to share with the group.
Do a team audio conference call but require all to do the call while they are walking. But what about notes or actions, then take turns with one person staying home to write up the notes and actions.
One company is telling team members that between certain hours, they are all to take a break from their computer and have the time to themselves.
Spend the first 15 minutes of your team meeting sharing ideas of how they are trying to enjoy the weekend. Maybe new hobbies and friendships will be formed, or you may realize that we are all pretty much the same.
I hope you have a great week
#thought-for-the-week
thought for the week 
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