I’m surprised how many people still jump onto video calls with their cameras off. Excuses abound, from no excuse to messy backgrounds or hair to more legitimate technical issues. Yet people then complain that they can’t make the same connection with their colleagues as they can in person.

New 2022 Habit: Turn your camera on and make it a requirement of all participants to do the same. Then notice how much better you are able to comprehend and be understood by your colleagues. And don’t be afraid to show a little mess in the background — it reveals that you are human, just like everyone else.

What’s been lost is the ability to check in and observe how your team is really doing.

Make an investment of time and effort into your team. Rewrite the script on the traditional update meeting by focusing the first 10­­-15 minutes on personal talk. Ask broad, exploratory questions such as, “How are you?” and don’t let “fine” be the answer. “Tell me more about that…” is a great follow-up that I often use to get people to elaborate without leading them or making them feel uncomfortable. And most importantly, open up and share about yourself.