What do you do if your remote co-worker constantly interrupts you during virtual meetings?

First, do not assume it is intentional. Remember that intentions are invisible. The case might be that they are not aware of how frequently it occurs and how it how it fragments the chain of communication. I would comment privately to the person the following question. Are you aware that you frequently interrupt me while I am speaking? I doubt if they say yes. “I do it on purpose” Play the reciprocation card. Would you like it if it happened to you? Thanks for being more self aware as we share information.

As a person who has been in this position and got through it, Here are things I did: Before every meeting, We established Clear Meeting Guidelines: each meeting starts by outlining expectations for participation, emphasizing the importance of active listening and respect for others' speaking turns. Politely Redirect Focus: When interruptions arise, gently acknowledge the input while guiding the conversation back to the current speaker or agenda item to maintain meeting efficiency and focus.

I use Nonverbal Cues: Employ visual cues like raising a hand or using the chat feature to manage speaking turns and ensure a more orderly discussion flow among participants. As an active Scrum master,I ensure All Participants Contribute by Facilitating an inclusive environment where all team members feel encouraged to share their insights and ideas, fostering collaboration and diversity of thought.

* Create opportunities for all team members to contribute to meetings and discussions. * Encourage quieter individuals to share their thoughts and ideas. * Rotate meeting roles, such as facilitator or note-taker, to distribute responsibility and promote engagement. * Provide diverse channels for participation, such as verbal contributions, chat messages, or anonymous feedback forms. * Recognize and appreciate contributions from team members of all backgrounds and communication styles. * Offer constructive feedback and support to individuals who may struggle to participate actively in meetings. * Foster a culture of psychological safety where team members feel empowered to express themselves without fear of judgment or reprisal.

Providing Private Feedback: If interruptions persist, I offer constructive feedback in a one-on-one setting, highlighting the impact on meeting dynamics and offering strategies for improvement. Also we tried out other meeting Formats by exploring different meeting structures, such as smaller breakout sessions or synchronous discussions, to accommodate diverse communication styles and minimize interruptions while maximizing engagement. It worked.