Say Cheese!

One of the foundations to building relationships when you are not co-located is to still feel physically connected to your coworkers through electronic means. Furthermore, the use of video allows you to really connect by seeing the person and their expressions (which so often speak more than words). And yet, so many people are reluctant to turn on their camera - But why?

Have you ever been around a person that refuses to get in any family/friend/group photos because they "hate photos of themselves"? Maybe it's even you!

There's actually some science around this phenomenon. It's called the mere-exposure effect. Basically, it illustrates that people prefer photographs that display their mirror image self and not their true self. It's the same reason you may hate the sound of your own voice - because you are used to what it sounds like reverberating in your own head and not what it really sounds like.

This effect is very interesting when it comes to photos. The image of you that you are most used to is the one in the mirror, where your features are reversed and your have a consistent light (be that bright, yellow, blue, white, etc.) In your photos, your features are not reversed and subject to the lighting that is present and other environmental variables. Thus, the picture looks weird compared to what you see every morning. Not surprising then, many people favor reverse camera selfies because it at least maintains the reversing mirror effect.

Now you know why you don't like your own photo. But here's something more important: While you may prefer the mirror image and not the true image, the opposite is true with your friends. They prefer the you in photos because that is the you that they know! Heck, studies show that even strangers will find your picture more likable than you will!

So back to turning cameras on for meetings...

If you aren't afraid to show up to a meeting in person, then why are you afraid to turn on your camera? Besides the above, there is also the casual nature that comes with working at home. Most people don't get done-up for work with hair, clothes, and makeup like they would when they come to the office. This leaves people feeling self-conscience about themselves.

Let me share some earth-shattering news with you: Your coworkers don't care. First of all, most people understand that when you work from home you're going to be more laid back. Secondly, they aren't judging you that way anyway. No one is talking about that zit on your forehead or your disheveled ponytail. They are far more interested in knowing you are a real person and talking with you than focusing on such petty things.

Remember, having a face works to your advantage. It is far easier to send scathing emails or stew on some aggravating encounter when you aren't a real person. But when someone has to say these things to your face, the tone changes as does the experience. Email and IM depersonalize the message and give perceived permission space to behave in ways you wouldn't face-to-face. So, put the face back into the interaction. Don't be a figment of someone's imagination, because figments will be forgotten!

Bottom-line - Turn on your camera. The fear is all in your head. And the benefits of overcoming that fear are huge.