Today, many of us spend our workdays online, in one-on-one and group meetings. Here are some tips to help you make your presence known and have a positive impact, especially during large group meetings:
Be visible. Turn your camera on to simulate in-person attendance.
Prepare. Know the meetings purpose and agenda, complete assigned prework, review relevant notes from prior discussions, and write down ideas youll contribute and questions youll ask.
Use active listening skills to test your understanding of new or complex ideas youll help yourself and others.
Using statements like, Robin, what are your thoughts about this approach? is a good way to invite others to contribute.
Support ideas offered by colleagues, especially those who have a hard time being heard and valued over the voices of the favored.
Summarize key discussion points and action items. This is a helpful end-of-meeting strategy, and it can also be an effective way to refocus the discussion or transition to a new topic.