How I Maximize and Minimize Video Meetings
I am watching black letters form on white while my eyes try to process the screen. I have a different view outside: Small but steady flakes of snow quickly cover the ground and trees, a natural Christmas-white blanket folding over grass and bushes. I’m pretty sure I could never tire of the latter; I’m easily fatigued by the former.
I have made adjustments to screen time because I don’t allow anything that saps the best from me.
I minimize video meetings in frequency and in time. I use video if I need more than fifteen minutes with someone, and if that someone is a critical team member or is in a critical situation. If so, I need to see their face and they need to see mine. If the meeting is a short-term relationship, or if it is primarily coordination, then I defer to a phone call, text or email. The more important the relationship or the issue, the greater likelihood I will do a video call.
To maximize meetings, I:
- Am present. I multi-task by nature, but not on a call.
- Look away at times.
- Disable the camera if needed and stand and stretch.
- Communicate the structure of the meeting so that members are not talking over one another. I also utilize chat to cue others.
- Look directly at the camera.
