The reality of daily online meetings has created a new kind of stress that I refer to as Communication Fatigue. I’ve no doubt your calendar is probably filled with back-to-back meetings with little or no time to take a break.  For so many of us working from our homes, our personal lives and work are probably blurring together.  Are you wondering if work/life balance will ever return?

If you believe this is the new normal or not, I describe these times as a journey in uncharted waters.  We hope we’re swimming in the right direction but given that we don’t know what tomorrow will bring, we need to keep our eyes open and be mindful of what’s taking place in the present.  We need to carve out time to reflect on how we’re showing up virtually, whether we’re hosting a meeting or being a participant.

Here are five defining questions to ask yourself:

1. Are you aware of the impressions you are delivering on camera?
2. If you are seeking to win customers and influence colleagues, do you feel you “look the part”?
3. Do you seek guidance from others on how you can improve your rapport building skills?
4. Do you prepare innovative ways to engage multicultural teams?
5. Are you creating an experience where people feel safe and comfortable sharing?

Hopefully, you answered “yes” to all of the above.

Regardless, we must embrace change and growth in order to thrive in these challenging times. To quote leadership guru John C. Maxwell, “growth is the great separator between those who succeed and those who do not. When I see a person beginning to separate themselves from the pack, it’s almost always due to personal growth.”

In this, my latest podcast episode, called “Keeping People Engaged” I share some best practices – some new, and some classic – that will definitely enhance your communication skills and showcase your  growth-minded abilities!

Enjoy and stay safe,
Roz