No, cameras should not be required by default; managers should use clear meeting purposes and flexible participation options.
A camera can offer useful visual cues, but it is only one sign of attention, so managers should look for presence in more than appearance. Be There calls for physical, mental, and emotional presence, and a person can be fully engaged without video. Someone on camera can still be multitasking or emotionally absent, which makes flexible participation important.
Set expectations by meeting type. Video may help a small coaching conversation, a sensitive discussion, or a session where visual demonstration matters. For a large update, a camera-off option may reduce distraction, bandwidth problems, fatigue, or privacy concerns. Explain why presence matters and define how people can show it through listening, chat, reactions, questions, or a clear verbal check-in.
How can a manager encourage presence without policing appearance?
Ask for participation rather than a particular posture or background. Keep agendas focused, invite questions, pause for responses, and do not treat eye contact with a screen as proof of commitment. A manager can say, “Cameras are welcome today, and audio or chat participation is fine. Please stay engaged and let me know if you need a break.”
Be There also includes respecting boundaries. Avoid interpreting a blank screen as disrespect or asking employees to reveal their homes. Apply expectations consistently, including to leaders.
Use this approach:
- State the purpose of the meeting.
- Identify when video is genuinely useful.
- Offer an equivalent camera-off way to participate.
- Measure contribution, listening, and follow-through.
- Address disengagement with a private, curious conversation.
The standard should be complete attention to the work and the people involved, not constant visibility.
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