Turn On Cameras to Turn Up Influence
53% of employees feel that having cameras on increases accountability and professionalism in virtual meetings.
Imagine sitting in a boardroom waiting for a meeting to begin when an attendee says, “I don’t want you to see me today, so I’m going join the meeting from a phone in the hallway.” This would NEVER happen, yet we virtual meeting attendees repeatedly refuse to turn on their cameras daily.
Most of us miss the days when we could interact face-to-face in the hallway, lunchroom or meeting space. Yet, we seem reluctant to turn on our cameras to see each other’s faces.
There are several reasons people don't turn on their cameras. Perhaps they don't like seeing themselves on camera, their hair or makeup isn’t done, or their workspace is a mess. I venture to guess the biggest reason is that attendees want to multitask. Let’s face it: multitasking is much easier when you know you can’t be seen.
Either way, when you can’t see each other’s eyes, you can’t make the connection needed to be genuinely influential in every interaction.
One Harvard Business Review reported that teams who show up with cameras turned on report 25% higher engagement levels during meetings compared to audio-only meetings. To increase your influence, get your meeting attendees to give you their undivided attention by asking one of these three questions:
“I’d love to see you today. Are you able to turn on your camera?”
This is a great question to ask coworkers, peers and others you used to frequently see in person. Attendees will find it hard to say ‘no’ to this request, and it will boost the friendly dialogue you once had working together in the office.
“To ensure you receive the most from this meeting, please turn on your camera?”
This question is a great way to ask existing clients and employees to show their shining faces. Encouraging them to turn on their cameras will maximize engagement, helping everyone focus so details aren’t missed. It also enables you to read reactions and evaluate how to move conversations forward.
“Would you turn on your camera so I can more easily help you?”
Conversations with prospects can be challenging enough without staring at a blank screen. Let your prospects know you are excited to help them, and seeing their faces will help you do just that. This will maximize engagement and help you navigate the conversation more easily. If asking this question feels uncomfortable, set the expectation when initially scheduling the meeting.
Virtual meetings are a part of our new normal, and learning to maximize our influence in this new reality is critical to our success. Ask these three questions to get your listeners to turn on their cameras so you can turn up your influence.
