GRCA Commerce Quarterly Spring 2020 - 10

cover story

New Etiquette
Be a Zoom Leader

By Rachael Romig, Director - Women2Women, GRCA

oom has become one of our main communication channels
for not only every day business but our personal lives as well.
Zoom check-ins with family are now just as important as
our Monday morning briefings with our boss and coworkers. What
connects the two always is ETIQUETTE. Just because we are working
from home and sitting at a computer screen, instead of in-person,
doesn't mean our meetings are less important.

As we look to the future, we can utilize what we are learning now
to build an even more impressive resume. There are many "dos"
within Zoom etiquette that will make you look more professional,
and show new leadership skills that may not have been present prior
to this time.

More light is better. Even with technological advances in web cams
and computers, a well lit area makes you look your best. So turn
on that desk light. Try not to sit with the light streaming in behind
you, however, as that will give you a halo effect and darken your
face and appearance.
Stage your video area. Even though you aren't looking behind
you, your Zoom mates will. Tidy up your space and present a nice
background. Virtual backgrounds are also available, but be mindful
of when you use them; some are not appropriate for the workplace.
Prepare materials in advance just like you would for a normal
in-person meeting. If you are scrambling for papers, everyone can
see that.
Dress for the job you have. Remote workers can unite on this front
when they say, "At least from the waist up." Even though you are
working from home, there is no reason why you should have pajamas
on while in a meeting. You'll be more productive if you wake up and
dress for work like you normally would before heading into the office.
Don't eat or do private things. Would you eat a sandwich or a bag
of chips during an in-person meeting? Would you use the bathroom?
I do not think I need to go on. We have all seen or know of horror
stories. Do not be a horror story.

Dos & Don'ts
Mute your microphone from the start. When you are ready to talk,
unmute. Background noise is louder than you think. If you choose
to stay unmuted, be mindful of what noises you are making - even
shuffling papers can be distracting.
Use video as much as possible. This is good for you and for your
Zoom-mates. Use this as a time to connect with others and show your
best self. Seeing others invested in your conversation, and showing
that you are invested in them, is important for your professional
life and your sanity.
Position your camera properly and look into the camera. Position
your web cam at eye level or a bit higher to avoid the dreaded "double
chin" look but also so it feels as if you are looking across a conference
room table. Looking into the camera is important because it brings
you "closer" to who you are talking to. Always think of your Zoommate like they are sitting right across from you.

10 COMMERCE QUARTERLY SPRING 2020

Avoid multitasking. Your Zoom meeting is a time for in-person
interaction, updates and next steps. Even though no one can "see" you
clicking over to another window, know that your facial expressions
do change while you are clicking around. Pay attention to those
you are meeting with.

GRCA Commerce Quarterly Spring 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of GRCA Commerce Quarterly Spring 2020