Own Telework

How do you turn telework into career success? Start by embracing it as normal.

I understand how hard that can be for some. I used to be a sourpuss about distance anything. It was bad enough that we frittered hours at computers sending emails to the poor soul in the next office. But holding meetings virtually? To me it couldn’t live up to the hype.

I’ve come around—sort of. In absence of live-and-in-person interactions, platforms like Zoom are a blessing. For those in the field of diplomacy, for example, it offers millions of new opportunities for dialogue across borders. Of course, virtual meetings can't beat breathing the same air as your interlocutor. But as long as what’s in the air can make you sick, it’s time to adapt.

And you know what? Conference room meetings are overrated. Most are marred by the stress of employees feeling imprisoned while hiding what they really think. Virtually, it’s somehow easier, I find, to distance oneself from the bad vibes and find a moment to say what needs to be heard.

And remember the times when staff missed a meeting if they were out of town? No more.

What do we miss? Context. Intimacy. The instant visual feedback from others telling us where we stand. Which brings us back to the question: How do you “succeed” amid this sensory deprivation? It’s simple: embrace the digital.* Own the medium—don’t resist it. Learn and use the bells and whistles. When you’re “on”, wear a positive expression. Stay and look alert.

I also advise dressing for the office—not in a suit, but dress for casual success. Why do that when no one else is? Precisely because no one else is! But there’s another critical effect, which is that you’ll feel more sure of your image.

And in the end, projecting ease and confidence, whether across a table or through cyberspace, is important for advancement.

What’s your approach to this new world of telework?

*That said, as the world flocks to digital, occasional in-person (masked or outdoor) meetings become super valuable. To build trust and loyalty, go out of your way to “go the last three feet.”