Make Zoom more human, humane, effective and inclusive | Luci Englert McKean | TEDxBloomington

Summary

This script addresses the challenges of creating a sense of belonging in the digital age, where physical presence is replaced by screens. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing our physical and emotional needs, even in virtual environments. The speaker shares strategies for effective online collaboration, such as using breakout rooms, encouraging physical movement, and fostering a culture of trust and vulnerability. The goal is to ensure that everyone feels seen, heard, and valued, regardless of their physical location.

Takeaways

• 🧠 The script emphasizes the importance of recognizing our physicality and emotions as humans, not just our intellectual capabilities.
• 🔒 It discusses the feeling of insecurity and how it manifests in the body before rational thought, highlighting the difficulty in 'thinking away' such feelings.
• 👀 The speaker points out the negative impacts of being overly reliant on screens for work and play, suggesting that it can lead to a trance-like state and hinder peripheral vision.
• 💻 The discomfort of being on camera for extended periods is noted, along with the social and cultural implications of having or not having a suitable space for video calls.
• 🔒 The script touches on privacy and equity issues related to camera use, including the 'prey response' and the potential for feelings of invisibility when cameras are off.
• 🤝 The importance of building a sense of belonging and trust in groups is stressed, as it is essential for effective collaboration.
• 🏋️‍♂️ The speaker encourages leaders to model the desired behavior, such as arriving to meetings prepared and ready to engage physically and mentally.
• 👥 The script advocates for leading with an intention to build belonging and to structure activities that facilitate this.
• 🕰️ It acknowledges that leading a culture shift towards belonging requires time, effort, participation, and vulnerability from leaders.
• 🔉 The power dynamics inherent in online meetings are discussed, with the speaker reflecting on their own position and the potential consequences of their actions.
• 📝 The use of structured conversations or protocols is recommended for better engagement and to ensure that everyone's voice is heard in meetings.
• 🔄 The script suggests using tools like breakout rooms and collaborative applications to foster a more interactive and inclusive online environment.
• ⏱️ Allowing time for silence and reflection before speaking in meetings can enhance the quality of thought and discussion.
• 📊 Using applications to track participation can provide valuable data on who speaks and who doesn't, helping to ensure a more balanced discussion.
• 📊 Closing meetings with a survey can provide feedback on what worked and what didn't, allowing for continuous improvement of the meeting structure and dynamics.
• 🌐 The script concludes by asserting that effective online collaboration is possible with the right strategies and a focus on creating a sense of belonging.

Q & A

Why is it important to remember that we are not just our heads, but entire physical beings?

Recognizing ourselves as whole beings acknowledges our emotional and physical experiences, which are crucial for understanding our responses to safety and well-being, especially in a digital work environment.

What does the script suggest about the relationship between feeling unsafe and the physical response?

The script suggests that the feeling of being unsafe is experienced viscerally and quickly in our bodies, often before we can form a rational thought, indicating the primal nature of this response.

How does the use of screens for work and play affect our physical and mental state according to the transcript?

The script implies that excessive screen use can lead to a trance-like state, causing peripheral vision to become a distraction and contributing to physical discomfort and health issues due to inactivity.

What is the 'prey response' mentioned in the script, and how can it be triggered during online meetings?

The 'prey response' refers to the instinctual reaction to feeling threatened or unsafe, which can be triggered during online meetings by rules about cameras, privacy concerns, and the feeling of being watched without the ability to respond.

Why is it problematic if people feel uncomfortable when others move or stretch during a video call?

It is problematic because physical movement is essential for health and well-being, and the discomfort of others can inhibit individuals from relieving tension and maintaining a healthy posture, which is counterproductive.

What are the implications of having or not having a 'lovely space' for video calls as mentioned in the script?

The implications include feelings of self-consciousness, privacy concerns, and equity issues, as not everyone has a suitable environment for video calls, which can affect their comfort and participation in meetings.

How does the script suggest building a sense of belonging in professional development seminars?

The script suggests building a sense of belonging from the beginning by demonstrating the desired behavior, such as moving and hydrating before meetings, and leading activities that encourage trust and collaboration among participants.

What is the significance of being 'heart-forward' in leading online meetings or seminars?

Being 'heart-forward' means approaching meetings with the intention to build belonging and trust, which is essential for effective collaboration and learning in a group setting.

Why is it recommended to use tools like breakout rooms and collaborative applications during online meetings?

These tools facilitate more engaging and interactive experiences, allowing participants to be seen and heard, and to collaborate more effectively in smaller groups rather than in a large lecture hall format.

How can the use of silence in online meetings enhance the quality of collaboration and learning?

Allowing silence gives participants time to think and process information before responding, which can lead to more thoughtful contributions and a better quality of discussion.

What is the purpose of closing meetings with a survey, and how can it improve future meetings?

Closing with a survey allows participants to provide feedback on what worked and what didn't, offering insights for improvement. Reading out comments in subsequent meetings can make participants feel heard and valued, fostering a sense of belonging.