I mentioned in earlier posts that I was completely “dialed in” to my work earlier in my career and didn’t leave time for networking or leaving my office to engage with other team members. A lot had to do with my focus on getting the work done and not that I didn’t care about my team or other team members, but I failed because when you work in corporate other people want to know about you personally too.
I am an extrovert, not an introvert, especially when it means making money and being successful.
I am known for my integrity, I engage when a person I am listening to and care about is speaking but where I needed to change was spending more time talking with my team members, stakeholders & even clients. Getting to know them and showing interest in their life.
People also want to know your story.
I like to keep my personal life to myself, but what I have learned is to start letting go more and telling my story.
I continue to work remotely, but when two recent opportunities came up to leave my comfortable work environment at home and make the extra effort to commute to the city due to a dinner invite with senior executives I went. In addition, we just had a company event that celebrated “People and Planet Day” where we all engaged to help out local communities by volunteering. I also went, which was a drive, and took me away from my work that day and it was an inconvenience. I am glad I went.
At both events I engaged with people I didn’t know; met people I have worked with for years that I never met in person and really had a fun time. A lot of pictures were involved, but it felt good…
It was also great for my career. It showed I cared and was willing to make the extra effort to support a company mission. It was great to meet new people. During my time volunteering I worked with a declared introvert during my time yesterday. Other people were pushing their limits too, so it was also great to see other people getting out of their comfort zone.
Get uncomfortable.
My next goal is to get on the laptop camera more since more people are using it during conference calls and it does add a personal element to your conversations when you are showing full engagement, visibility & showing you are not multitasking at the same time.
When I met people at the People and Planet Day event for work, I was frequently told that it was great to see “me” the person in 3D vs. the professional flat photo online I use often.
Being visible while working remotely is important for several reasons. It helps you stay connected with your team, ensures your contributions are recognized, and builds trust with your colleagues and supervisors. Here are some tips on how to be visible while working remotely:
- Communication is Key: Keep open lines of communication with your team. Use video calls, chat platforms, and email to stay in touch. Regularly update your team on your progress, and don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek clarification when needed.
- Set Clear Expectations: Make sure you and your manager are on the same page regarding your tasks, goals, and deadlines. Having clear expectations will help you stay accountable and ensure your work is aligned with company objectives.
- Be Punctual: Be on time for virtual meetings and appointments. Being punctual shows that you respect your colleagues’ time and are committed to your work.
- Use Video in Meetings: Whenever possible, use video in virtual meetings. It helps create a more personal connection and allows you to gauge reactions and engagement from others.
- Participate Actively: Engage actively in meetings and discussions. Contribute ideas, ask questions, and offer insights. This shows that you are actively involved in the team’s work.
- Share Your Progress: Regularly update your team on your work progress. Share status reports or project updates to keep everyone informed about what you’re working on.
- Be Responsive: Respond promptly to emails, messages, and requests from your colleagues. This demonstrates that you are attentive and committed to teamwork.
- Seek Feedback: Actively seek feedback on your work and performance. This shows that you are open to improvement and value the input of your colleagues.
- Collaborate Effectively: Use collaboration tools and project management software to work efficiently with your team. Share documents, collaborate on projects, and keep everyone in the loop.
- Show Initiative: Take the initiative to propose new ideas, projects, or improvements. Demonstrating proactiveness can make you stand out even in a remote environment.
- Professionalism: Maintain a professional demeanor in all your interactions. This includes dressing appropriately for video meetings and maintaining a workspace that is free from distractions.
- Meet Deadlines: Always meet your deadlines or communicate proactively if you need an extension. Reliable performance is highly valued in remote work setups.
- Network Virtually: Attend virtual team-building events, workshops, and social gatherings if your company offers them. These events provide opportunities to connect with colleagues on a more personal level.
- Share Achievements: When you achieve a milestone or complete a project, don’t hesitate to share your accomplishments with your team. This helps in showcasing your contributions.
- Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with company news, industry trends, and relevant developments. This knowledge can be valuable in discussions and decision-making.
Remember that being visible doesn’t mean working longer hours or overloading yourself with tasks. It’s about actively participating, communicating effectively, and demonstrating your commitment to your team’s success while working remotely.
Next time there is an event at your work extend yourself outside your comfort zone regardless if you are an extrovert or an introvert. Networking creates success for you and your company. It also surrounds you with potential people that can drive more positive life experiences. Ideas, ideas, ideas…
