How do you convey context and mood in a #virtual environment?
Chris Coladonato, CPTD
Want to see what’s possible when you slow down, make space for yourself, and unplug from the busyness of life? Hint: You’ll feel calmer, more creative and connected. | Keynote Speaker | Coach | Forest Bathing Guide
Last week, I hosted an online discussion at work on Visible Teamwork based on this article by Pilar Orti. This is an important topic for many since most of us are often connecting with others in different locations or with those that are #remote.
One of the tougher questions was around deliberate communications which consists of communicating availability, context and mood. When in person, mood and context are often transmitted via non-verbal cues. It can be hard to communicate mood and context when you can't see the other person.
So, I asked the question: Other than turning on a webcam, what are some ways you can communicate context and mood with your team and others you work with?
Initially, the responses were focused on emojis, gifs and memes. And I do agree that they can convey mood; however, those are not the only ways to convey mood and context. Here were a few of our thoughts:
- Get comfortable with verbally expressing context and mood. Don't wait for someone to pick up on it. It may not happen if you are not face to face (or video to video) with someone. You can't assume they will "get your drift".
- Being aware that your intent may not always translate. If you find out that there has been a misunderstanding, follow up with the person and let them know what you were trying to get across in the conversation and that you realize it may have been misinterpreted. If there was a miscommunication, ask what you might do differently next time to avoid the same problem.
- Remember that you don't have non-verbal cues and consider how your message may by interpreted by others. Edit as needed before sending or sharing.
- Also remember that your interpretation of the other person's mood might be skewed based on your own perspectives or mood at that time. Pause, assume positive intent and then re-read the message. When needed, follow up and ask for clarification.
As you can see, we don't have all the answers and we only scratched the surface. This is something we will continue to discuss and I think it's a great discussion for any team to have so there is shared understanding among the group on how to best work together.
What are some ways that YOU have conveyed mood and context in a virtual environment? One in which you can't see the other person and pick up on non-verbal cues?
Writing and podcasting about remote teams, team leadership, #podcasting and spiralling creativity. Podcaster and V.O. (incl. Xuli in GoJetters)
4 年Wonderful - and you've added something I hadn't identified: the need for increased self-awareness...?
I teach the skills to lead hybrid, distributed & remote teams | Keynotes, Workshops, Cohort Programs I Delivered transformative programs to thousands of enterprise leaders
4 年Love how you dissected this very real issue Chris Coladonato, CPLP.? I learned that I had to get comfortable verbalizing my emotions, especially when talking to direct reports - especially for performance or career discussions.? I would always be on video and I would be sure to take my glasses off at times to make real eye contact through the computer and verbalize how proud I was of the person when they had made real progress against their goals.
Developing leaders that people *want* to follow. Leadership Development Strategist | [New!] Whole-Life Optimization Coach | Speaker | LinkedIn Learning Instructor
4 年Great piece and topic, Chris, thanks for sharing. I wasn't sure how to comment on the article directly... I would add one of the suggestions I make to leaders and team members I coach. In interactions when there is an important emotional undertone you want to convey correctly or a possibility of misunderstood intent that could impact the relationship, prioritize face-to-face channels. For remote workers, this means turn on the video camera! There is just so much meaning that gets conveyed subtly in our vocal and visual nonverbal communication that it's unwise to cut it out of the communication environment. A clue I share often that tells you to move to F2F is if you find yourself editing and re-editing the same message to avoid being misinterpreted. It's usually a sign that it is not a good idea to convey this message in writing.