How to Improve Team Participation during Video Meetings

Would you like to boost participation during team video meetings? You can help increase involvement and team productivity if you: 

Address Quiet or Reluctant Participants by Name: If you notice certain members of your team contribute less than others, engage with the quiet ones directly. Ask them for their input on the current topic of discussion. Your addressing them will demonstrate you want to hear their unique opinion and value what they have to contribute.

Have Participants on Camera: Audio alone does not necessarily invite the same feelings of togetherness and connection as face-to-face conversations, whether physical or virtual. The camera gives the group the opportunity to read each other’s facial cues; smiles and attentive eyes help the members of your team know they have been heard and understood. Confused faces, on the other hand, can help you and your team know when more work needs to be done to get everyone on the same page. 

Have a Meeting Agenda: Let your team know what the meeting objectives are ahead of time. An agenda gives your team a clear idea of what will be achieved during the meeting. Giving advance notice helps your team prepare and come into the meeting ready to contribute. 

Accommodate Your Team’s Personal Needs: Work-life balance enables people to thrive in both their professional and personal lives. Respect the needs of your team; for example, if a team member is working from home and needs to step away from the meeting for a few moments to take care of their children, consider pausing the meeting briefly. 

Be Genuine: While it may take some adjustment, don’t alter your goals, try to hide your emotions, or relax your modes of communication simply because the meeting is held remotely. Try to maintain the same levels of communication and comradery as you would if everyone were in the room!

Video meetings enable us to connect with more people than ever before. Find additional ways to put your best foot forward and have more productive meetings this week at the Syncis Money Blog.