Leave It On

There are only two times when I turn my camera off during meetings.  The first is the obvious one— you do *not* want to see me eating.  I was clearly raised by ramen-lovin’ wolves.

The second is a subtle nod to the occasionally dysfunctional power dynamics in large orgs… and it consistently gets me in trouble. 

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Let’s say one of my direct reports is on a 10 person call with me.  And let’s say that she has done some amazing work that’s being discussed. 

Regardless of how many times I point it out, people on that call— good people—  feel compelled to give *me* credit for the work that she did.

Is there a gender aspect to it?  I used to think so… and there’s little that isn’t impacted by gender dynamics… but I’ve found that this tends to happen regardless of the leader’s pronouns.

So (as I understand it) it’s mostly a hierarchy thing.   At worst, it’s an unconscious bias and at best, it’s a reverent nod to the senior in the room. 

And I know it’s meant to be respectful but we can all be more mindful.

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So I experiment every once in a while.  I’ll turn off my camera during those meetings and like magic, the credit goes to her… or him… or them. 

Without the obligatory “thanks to Hood and…”

And you know what?  They deserve it. 

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So… I give you permission to *not* give me (or any senior) credit for work that our leaders do.  

They did it. Not us. 

And I’m cool with you pointing out the hypocrisy of my camera being off— Mr. Always-Keep-It-On— as long as my leaders get recognized for the autonomous marvels that they are. 

#NuthinButLove 

#SeriouslyThoughKeepItOn