3 Ways Leaders Prove They’re Still Working (Even When They’re Not On A Zoom Meeting)

Part of Avery Blank's series of Forbes articles.

With the coronavirus pandemic making professionals work from home, many are using Zoom and other online video technologies to communicate with their colleagues, clients and customers. While video calls can be a great tool, they can be exhausting. 

Some people may feel they need to have video calls to show their boss and colleagues that they are working and, in turn, may be reluctant to utilize other forms of communication. However, successful professionals focus less on the appearance of working all the time and more on their actual productivity. Leaders know how to demonstrate that they are on the clock without always showing their face and sacrificing their effectiveness and efficiency. Here are three ways leaders show they are working without having to always resort to video conferencing:

1.     Be responsive.

One of the best ways to establish that you are working is to be responsive. If a colleague or client sends you an email or text during your organization’s operating hours, try to get back to them within the hour or within a realistic timeframe given the nature of your work. 

Responding immediately creates energy around the idea and engages the respondent. But responding immediately has its drawbacks. Feeling the need to respond immediately can cause anxiety, create mistakes and even make it look like you have nothing else to do. Be responsive, but don’t be a doormat.

2.     Use shared document platforms.

If you have software like Dropbox, Box, Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive, use them. These technology platforms allow you to work on a document without having to let others know. Your colleagues will see the new document you created or the edits you made. Shared document platforms allow you to do your work and people to see your progress without having to take the extra step and notifying others. They will see what you did with their own eyes and in real time. If you have the opportunity to eliminate a step and free up some of your time, take it.

3.     Schedule a phone meeting, instead.

You don’t have to have a video call every time you want to speak to a person. Other forms of communication still exist, like the telephone. Pick up the phone. Speaking by phone can be easier than taking the time to set-up video or compose an email. Don’t make communication hard.

You don’t always have to show your face to show that you are working. Be responsive, leverage shared document platforms and pick up the phone.

How do you demonstrate your productivity while working from home? Share with me your stories and thoughts in the comments section below.