Chapter 3 - Seeing Is Believing. Or is it? Flashcards
Why does ‘input bias’ matter in virtual work?
People judge performance based on perceived effort (e.g., time spent), even when it doesn’t reflect actual output. This means showing effort—even strategically—is essential in virtual environments.
What strategy helps create ‘virtual face time’ when working remotely?
Break up your emails and instant messages throughout the day rather than batching them all at once. This makes your presence felt and shows ongoing engagement.
What’s a good way to schedule meetings to subtly signal productivity?
Offer a limited but diverse set of time slots across days and times. It makes you seem busy (scarcity = value), but still cooperative.
What’s the danger of not managing your virtual presence?
If people can’t see your effort, they may assume you’re not working hard—even if you’re performing at a high level. Visibility matters as much as productivity.
How can video calls be used to boost perceived competence and engagement?
Keep your camera on—especially with people you don’t know well—make eye contact by looking at the webcam, and use good lighting and a professional background.
What’s the best response to typos or errors in a virtual message?
Acknowledge the error briefly, provide context (e.g., “typing from my phone”), and move on. Humor and humility can reduce negative perceptions.
What does the Fyre Festival teach us about virtual communication?
Managing impressions is powerful—but you must also deliver on your promises. Overhyping without performance backfires hard.
How does the timing of your emails affect perceptions?
Sending emails at varying times throughout the day makes it look like you’re consistently engaged. Scheduled/delayed sends can help create this impression.
What small act after a virtual meeting boosts impressions of engagement?
Send a short, personalized thank-you message. It shows attentiveness, appreciation, and follow-through—especially rare, so it stands out.
What does camera placement and eye contact signal in virtual calls?
Eye contact with the camera, not the person’s image, boosts impressions of warmth and competence. Adjust your screen layout to make this easier.
How can your video call background influence how others see you?
Natural or professional elements like plants or bookshelves create positive impressions. Avoid novelty backgrounds (e.g., floating walruses) or messy rooms.
How do you avoid “productivity theater” while still managing impressions?
Make your effort visible through natural communication patterns (spaced-out messages, limited meeting windows), but ensure you also deliver strong, quality work.
What’s one tip to make email communication feel more credible when mistakes happen?
Include “Sent from my iPhone” if applicable. People are more forgiving of typos when they think the device, not you, is at fault.
When does using video in meetings matter most?
Use video especially when meeting with people you don’t know well. In ongoing teams with trust already established, the impact of video is smaller.
What lesson does the Mariner 1 rocket failure teach about virtual errors?
Minor errors (like a missing hyphen) in digital work can have big consequences. Proof your communication, especially in visible or technical work.
