I’m beginning to feel like I live in telephone and Skype conference calls. And some are tortuous. All I can say is “Amen Sistah” to these three simple tips from Jessica Lipnack. How many multi-tasking on conference calls? 100%
1. Make the calls shorter. And shorter. And shorter. One senior exec whom I love for his discipline in this got his calls down to 15 minutes. And he’s very senior. Stars on his shoulder and all that.
2. Please, please, please listen to the “medical” experts, those who’ve treated thousands like yourselves: Always use some form of screen sharing during your calls so that everyone can focus on what you’re talking about. Imagine that you’re in a conference room together and everyone has their backs to one another and is looking out the window in different directions. How much attention are you paying to what’s being discussed? Looking at the same object is a powerful way to focus attention.
3. Close your email while you’re on your calls. Close it. Click it shut. And for those of you reading this post during your call, your browser too.
After reading this, I realized I really needed to update my old teleconferencing tips page, so here it is!
See also
- http://fullcirc.com/wp/2009/04/02/travel-budget-slashes-meeting-crunch-and-going-virtual/ and other teleconference related blog posts!
Photo Credit fLeMmA