By: Sarah Steward, MS*
The new world of teleworking, online meetings, and video calls continues to be an ongoing reality for many in and connected to the military community. And here at CHAMP, we’re no exception. The months that have passed have required so much adjustment in so many ways—it can be easy to put off making new, optimized habits.
When it comes to teams at work, it can be especially easy to become isolated, operate in your own bubble or silo, and lose connection to your teammates. With that, your team might feel less group trust and even struggle with maintaining effective (and professional) communication. So, here are some simple things you can do to get those relationships back on track. Remember, a few easy adjustments can make all the difference.
Lead with curiosity
Strive to learn where your colleagues are coming from by checking your own assumptions and asking questions instead.
Show respect
Listen to and acknowledge one another. Avoid interrupting and speak with consideration for each other’s perspectives and experiences.
Recall your mutual goals
You’re all members of the same team, working together to jointly achieve success as a group.
Make the most of online meetings
- Arrive on time. This might mean testing your computer ahead of time or signing in a little early. Showing up on time—whether it’s online or in person—demonstrates respect for your co-workers.
- As much as possible, make sure you’re in an area where you won’t be interrupted to show that you are engaged and respect those you’re connecting with.
- Stay muted until it’s time for discussion or when you have a question.
- Use reactions, chat, or other basic platform functions to show the speakers and your colleagues you’re engaged.
- Keep your camera on as much as possible and be mindful of what others might see.
- Use the chat feature to ask questions or discuss points relevant to and focused on the topics being presented. Save discussion about other unrelated topics until the end of the meeting or for another time.
- If you need a minute, message one of the speakers privately to let them know you’ve stepped away.
About the author
Sarah Steward, of the Henry M. Jackson Foundation, is a Social Health Scientist for the Consortium for Health and Military Performance (CHAMP) at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU).Disclosure: *The opinions and assertions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of USU or DoD. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or policies of The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc. Mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. The author has no financial interests or relationships to disclose.
