Virtual Communication in Uncertain Times

Clarity is another virtual challenge. Leaders can practice active listening skills to ensure everyone is on the same page. For critical issues, follow up with meeting summaries by email, including action items and responsibilities, along with individual meetings as needed. Remember that everyone communicates and learns differently, so using a variety of communication methods is important.

Virtual meetings can create barriers to participation because of delays and limitations on video and audio. Take advantage of participation tools at your disposal, including anonymous polls, chat, emojis, and other visual signals. Keep your own video on and encourage teams to do the same (bandwidth permitting) to capture nonverbals whenever possible.

Leaders should directly seek out opinions from quieter team members or those experiencing technology issues during the meeting. Pause between topics to allow ample opportunity for each participant to weigh in, and train managers to do the same in their own meetings.

It may go without saying that mass firings over Zoom do nothing to promote employee morale, but it’s important to note that all sensitive topics require additional care and attention when you can’t be in the same room with your team.

Difficult conversations—performance reviews, terminations, changes in status or compensation—are still best held one-on-one, even when the setting is virtual. Be sure to schedule a private follow-up conversation after employees have processed the information.

The old adage, “praise in public, criticize in private” carries special weight in the context of virtual meetings. The informal interactions and team support that soften difficult conversations are few and far between and the end of a meeting leaves each employee alone at home. If you must offer constructive criticism in a team environment, keep it brief and objective, and follow up quickly to offer individual support.

Increased communication and empathy can help leaders determine whether a morale issue exists and actively seek to address it.

A common concern in organizations is that remote employees have more opportunities to violate company trust. By cultivating a culture of mutual trust, leaders can significantly reduce risk and increase team cohesion.

First and foremost, establish trust by earning it: fulfill promises, communicate honestly, and come to meetings on time. Demonstrate respect for employees’ time as well as their needs for flexibility. Ensure that accountability measures are clear, measurable and applied fairly to everyone.

Teambuilding is more important than ever for cultivating trust, as well as maintaining morale and establishing clarity of purpose. Allow time for social connection before, after or outside of regular meetings. Keep everyone engaged with formal and informal teambuilding activities.