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In case you want to mix it up a little…

We both spend a lot of time on video calls. They are little portals of embarrassment. In our experience, the only way to lessen the awkwardness of remote meetings is to do them often, but also to acknowledge that they are truly weird and deeply embarrassing so no one feels like they are alone. This is why we created Video Conference Bingo.

It’s a question we get a lot, especially from readers who aren’t managers: How can I manage up to a disengaged boss? What’s the best way to advocate for myself and for my peers?

I’ve been intimidated by my interviewees lots of times. I’ve gotten better at it. I can now say, “Here’s what I’m like as a human individual and also as the leader of this team, take it or leave it,” without wanting to throw up or feeling like a fraud.

I like that this strategy acts as a January re-set, but it’s not overhauling anything, or starting something from scratch, or rebuilding any processes. It’s just a quick recalibration on the basics.