WHAT WILL THE AUDIENCE LEARN?
Our audience will learn methods and tips for maximizing connection in the virtual workplace, and for forming meaningful bonds over Zoom and other video forums.
EPISODE SUMMARY:
As humans, we crave connection through speech, touch, and acknowledgement of presence, but in the aftermath of the pandemic, that connection may seem weakened in the workplace. A change to a remote workforce, WFH, and hybrid settings have created “the virtual meeting space,” remote and onscreen in order to function in a new era while working, learning, and being. How can we, as employers, employees, and business owners, build genuine relationships virtually when conducting business online? How do we keep our employees engaged and connected when they are miles and miles apart?
There are many things we can do, from learning to read body language in a more subtle and nuanced way, to getting a bit more personal in our conversation pre AND post meeting. On the next episode of Employment Law Today, tune in when my special guest, Betty Monroe, connective engagement coach and film and TV actor, and I discuss methods and tips for maximizing connection in the virtual workplace. A must see for remote or hybrid employers!
linkedin.com/in/actressspeakercoach
Website: connectiveengagement.com
By Segment
SEGMENT 1
0:34 – 13:39 – Eric welcomes his guest, Betty Monroe, who is a connective engagement coach and film and TV actor. Betty talks about her journey in her career being able to combine her passions of being an elementary school teacher, engagement coach and actor. She grew up in Los Angeles, her grandfather worked for Paramount Pictures in Columbia for many years as a cinematographer and cameraman. She didn’t begin acting professionally until she got into her 30s.before this, she was teaching. During the pandemic, she decided to leave teaching and began working as a podcast producer for a sales enablement podcast, producing about 165 episodes. Throughout this time, she saw this online environment struggling like with zoom and decided to use her acting knowledge to help with the virtual aesthetics with how one can look better on camera. This then moved to the need for interpersonal and soft skill connection. Betty also talks about a common complaint she hears about building connections virtually compared to physically connecting. She goes into talking about how simple it can be to connect virtually like keeping the body language the same as you would in person and not thinking too hard about the physical difference of being on camera.
SEGMENT 2
15:53 – 29:25 – Betty talks more about misinterpreting body language on zoom. She brings up an analogy she uses and teaches called KISS (Keeping It Simple Stupid). People may be placing so much importance on little things that aren’t as important as being you and your authentic self. Throughout this time with many of us using zoom, we go through challenges; it’s okay to have these struggles to adapt. She also brings up the struggles of having too many meetings in a schedule. She says that this is important to bring a sense of empathy and vulnerability. Betty also mentions the productivity rising in many companies with businesses getting more things done. She believes that after 2 and a half years, we are finding the balance in how we use virtual meetings. Betty says we no longer have to wear high heels or a buttoned suit. Eric mentions the humor in how different virtual meetings can be with activities such as eating or having interruptions in the background. Betty says we still need to maintain professionalism and know better and not wear boxer shorts or have a food stain on your shirt. But she emphasizes to still be comfortable and be human.
SEGMENT 3
31:31 – 44:02 – Betty says that human connection is more important now than ever because there was a loss in skills due to the pandemic but also due to being stuck in the world of technology. There was a lack of connection at a human level. But she says you can connect at a human level in this way as well. Betty mentions tips on making zoom more relatable and engaging. She says one way is to begin each meeting with something personal like what might be behind the person on camera. You can also ask the person something about themselves. Betty also mentions sharing something about yourself in an email to break the ice to build a connection. When you start at a personal level, you can become more personal and build a trust and genuine relationship. Eric and Betty discuss the uncertainty and awkwardness that comes up with speaking and behaving on camera. Eric brings up the “black box” where someone doesn’t have their camera on. Eric describes this as only one person being fully present. Especially if the meeting relates to you if there’s more than two people or if you are meeting for the first time, you should have your camera on. Overall though, it shows that you value the other person’s time and are fully present to what’s happening.
SEGMENT 4
45:02 – 56:06 – Coming back from the final break, Eric asks Betty about how she distinguishes herself from other connective engagement coaches. Betty says that she doesn’t know enough coaches that do the same work she does. She describes this as a unique niche. She mentions a success story of working with an attorney to help rearrange their office so that his virtual engagements would be more professional and engaging for him. All it took was about an hour of working on this which made this client happy. She has also worked with a top sales management university in the UK called Cranfield School of Management. Betty was given a great review where they mentioned that their metrics improved after applying the take-aways they got from their conversation with Betty. She also mentions tips for improving how comfortable you are when agemening virtually, such as getting a riser to be at eye level, buying a ring light, or putting on your favorite shirt. These are things that not only help with your confidence but also make you look good. She also mentions again about bringing humor in these situations which humanizes everyone. You can find Betty Monroe on Linkedin, connectiveengagement.com, and through her email at betty@connectiveengagement.com
About Employment Law Today
Helping Business With Employment Law Issues.
For many business owners, it can be overwhelming to keep up and comply with the federal and state labor and employment laws that govern how they run their business. With the COVID-19 pandemic, there are new laws and regulations regarding hiring, firing, and workplace practices and protocols — all of which can increase business owners’ anxieties about regaining traction or thriving again. On my weekly show, we will be discussing the most common employment law related questions and challenges that business owners have been facing in these uncertain times.
The show will have three main goals: (1) to inform businesses about employment law updates, (2) to inspire businesses by giving them the tools to move forward, and (3) to demonstrate how some business owners have overcome their employment law problems, walked through the challenges imposed by this pandemic, and have taken steps to regain traction during the reopening phases of this pandemic.
Our guests will include professionals who advise businesses from an H.R., legal, and financial perspective, along with thriving business owners who will share their experiences and insights into running a successful company while complying with labor and employment law mandates during COVID-19.