One team member always takes the lead in remote discussions. How can you ensure everyone's voice is heard?

1 Set Ground Rules

Establishing clear ground rules at the beginning of remote discussions can prevent dominance by a single team member. Make it known that everyone's input is valuable and should be heard. Encourage team members to take turns speaking and to actively listen when others are contributing. This can be facilitated by using round-robin or popcorn-style approaches to conversation, where team members pass the opportunity to speak from one to another, ensuring that all voices are heard.

2 Use Technology

Leverage technology to level the playing field in remote discussions. Many video conferencing tools have features such as hand-raising or chat functions that allow quieter team members to signal when they have something to say. Encouraging the use of these features can help manage the flow of conversation and prevent any one person from monopolizing the discussion. Additionally, collaborative online platforms can allow team members to contribute ideas in writing, which can then be discussed verbally by the group.

4 Encourage Feedback

Foster an environment where feedback is welcomed and respected. After meetings, encourage team members to provide feedback on the discussion process. This can be done through anonymous surveys or open forums. By understanding how each member feels about their ability to contribute, you can make continuous improvements to ensure that everyone's voice is heard in future discussions.

5 Personal Check-Ins

Personal check-ins at the start or end of meetings can give each team member a moment in the spotlight. By sharing something personal or professional, each person gets a chance to speak outside of the main discussion. This practice helps build camaraderie and comfort with speaking up during more formal parts of the meeting.

6 Tailor Participation

Recognize that different people may prefer different modes of communication. Some team members might be more comfortable sharing ideas in writing before or after a meeting. Allow for asynchronous contributions where team members can add thoughts via email or a shared document. This ensures that those who are less inclined to speak up in real-time still have their ideas considered.