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OPTIMIZING VIRTUAL COMMUNICATION

Alan Anderson • April 18, 2024

CONTROL OR AGENCY

We all know that there is much that we cannot control, yet we don’t necessarily live like we believe this reality. And while this may sound like some old school notion or that I have never heard of “The 4-Hour Workweek”, “Designing Your Life”, or “The Achievement Habit” (all of which I have read and learned much from). I am talking about something even bigger.

For instance…


  • You did not choose to be born (not to mention when or where nor who’s family system you’re apart of)
  • You do not control the innate strengths and blind spots you have
  • You do not control what people think, feel, or say, for that matter
  • You do not control how people look at the world (whether through a fixed or growth mindset)
  • You do not control the weather
  • You do not control time


And while I could go on and on, by the very fact that you were born, regardless of when or where or to whom, or who you are, you have a great deal of agency.

a·gen·cy /ˈājənsē/  noun: 1. a person or thing through which power is exerted or an end is achieved 2. action or intervention, especially such as to produce a particular effect

Agency to have a good attitude. Agency to practice personal accountability. Agency to play the hand you’re dealt, versus complaining about the cards in your hand.


You may not control everything, but you can live intentionally and impact the majority of your experiences.


EFFICACY

Since you don’t have control of everything, you certainly must still understand that you have a great deal of power to lead, and or to learn to lead well! Essentially, there are three stages to leading yourself and others well. They are very simple and effective.

In everything that you do, plan to:


  • ORGANIZE
  • PRIORITIZE
  • EXECUTE


I will write more on these stages in the near future and why they are tried and true (as in actually battle-tested), but for today’s purposes, I want to take a figurative "hard-right" to share this leadership framework specifically overlaying or integrating it into our "new normal" of virtual leadership and communication. This is now specifically aimed at those of you leading or facilitating virtual meetings.


OPTIMIZING VIRTUAL MEETINGS

We have partnered with Shelby Burford of Marketplace Storytelling to make this as practically applicable for you and your team as possible. Below is a downloadable One-Pager that encapsulates these steps. (Please feel free to pass along to your team, friends, or colleagues.)

You will be well served to note each of the step-by-step sub-points to the 9 steps for optimizing virtual meetings. However, I’ll share the areas that you have agency over right now:


  1. Creating eye contact actually means looking directly into the camera when speaking
  2. Lighting is key (Remember, it was “lights, camera, action”)
  3. Your camera should be eye-level
  4. Clarify ALL details ahead of time
  5. Establish the best structure for your meeting
  6. Prepare to follow through on your plan
  7. Roll out, in other words, GO
  8. We’re all human and must keep that top of mind so we can adapt and give grace
  9. Follow up, a virtual meeting should not be the last word



DOWNLOADABLE ONE PAGER


At Shandel Group, our aim is simple. We want to help you gain the clarity needed to increase the likelihood that you can go out and win. Winning looks different for all of us, so however you intend to add value and serve others excellently, we want to support you in that process.


There will be more resources like this to come, just remember, lean into your agency.


And, if you or someone on your team needs a quick reminder as to the results of not intentionally planning your virtual meetings, check this 45-second clip out (of which the last 5 seconds are priceless).


YOU’LL BE HIGHLY DISCIPLINED TO:


ORGANIZE.


PRIORITIZE.


AND EXECUTE.


Pulling for you,



Alan Andersen

Breaking the Cycle of Misery: A Leadership Journey

By Shandel Sutherland • November 24, 2024
Introduction Have you ever felt trapped in a cycle of stress, frustration, and burnout? As leaders, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and lose sight of what truly matters. In this blog post, we'll explore the concept of the "cycle of misery" and how to break free from it. Understanding the Cycle of Misery The cycle of misery is a common trap that many leaders fall into. It's characterized by a negative mindset, a focus on problems, and a tendency to blame others. When we're in this cycle, we become our own worst enemies, constantly worrying and stressing over things that are outside of our control. Key Signs of the Cycle of Misery: Fear and Insecurity: Feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about the future. Anger and Frustration: Blaming others for problems and taking things personally. Lack of Confidence: Doubting your abilities and questioning your decisions. Isolation: Withdrawing from others and avoiding social interaction. Negativity: Focusing on the negative aspects of situations and people. Breaking Free from the Cycle To break free from the cycle of misery, we must focus on the following: Self-Awareness: Recognize the signs of the cycle and be honest with yourself about your current state. Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness techniques to stay present and reduce stress. Positive Self-Talk: Challenge negative thoughts and replace them with positive affirmations. Seek Support: Talk to a mentor, coach, or therapist to gain perspective and guidance. Prioritize Self-Care: Make time for activities that you enjoy and that help you relax. Focus on Solutions: Instead of dwelling on problems, focus on finding solutions. Connect with Others: Build strong relationships with colleagues, friends, and family. The Healthy Cycle of Growth In contrast to the cycle of misery, the healthy cycle of growth is characterized by positivity, resilience, and a focus on solutions. By cultivating a growth mindset and practicing self-care, we can break free from the cycle of misery and achieve our full potential. Conclusion Remember, it's okay to experience challenges and setbacks. The key is to recognize when we're slipping into the cycle of misery and take proactive steps to break free. By focusing on our values, practicing self-care, and connecting with others, we can create a more fulfilling and rewarding life.

Lead with Authenticity

By Jake Hinton • October 7, 2024
Embark on a transformative leadership journey where authenticity meets growth. This article delves into the pathways taken by a CEO to foster authentic leadership, emphasizing the shift from comfort zones to growth areas. Explore how resilience, accountability, and value alignment pave the way for effective leadership. By understanding oneself and embracing challenges, leaders can inspire their teams and nurture organizational success. Join us in uncovering the ripple effect of personal growth and its impact on building strong, authentic relationships.
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