Conversation — notes (Feat Sam McLaren)
Hi I am Digital Delia, Sam asked me this week to collaborate with him to write a joint week note. Secretly I think it’s his way of kicking me up the bum to get started with writing them weekly.
This is Sams #46th week notes as part of his challenge. He has done lots of different themes and formats. My favourite is the Sea Shanty. If you want to read any of his others find them on the link below:
https://medium.com/digital-dorset/2022-notes-e8ce3f90e1c4
So yeah, you got a Digimclaren + Digital Delia special this week!
Lots of conversations
Delia:
At Wednesday’s team check in we talked about the Digital and Change Wellbeing pledge and how we all need be be mindful of our wellbeing and that of others. Sam did you do the survey to find out ways you could improve your wellbeing?
Sam:
I did! Even though its about wellbeing i still got competitive and wanted a 10. Sadly i still have some improvements to make before i can ace that test. The things that stuck our for me in the check in was the commitment around cameras in meetings. Its a really interesting debate point.
Delia:
We can all have a bad hair day and would rather hide but that’s really unfair on the presenter, chair and others who do have their cameras on in the meeting. By having cameras on it’s more inclusive and accessible. I also know Sam you are passionate about presenting.
Sam:
I completely agree, its about finding balance between the two. I once presented where 90% of the people in the meeting had cameras off and weren't engaging to any comments or questions, as soon as that meeting ends you just feel horrible!
Delia:
Did you get good feedback though, did they still find it engaging?
Sam:
I did get good feedback but then again anyone can type “that was great!” in chat. Its definitely something I am looking to address this year maybe even doing thing like turning off chat and having ‘chat breaks’ where its open instead of all the time.
Delia:
One thing that may help is Microsoft are soon introducing a feature where you can hide your own camera but others still see you? I am hoping this may give people more confidence about having it on in future and help with the strain of looking at yourself.
Problem solving
Delia:
Another thing I have been doing this week has been helping users with their problems. One problem involved opening a MAC document.
Sam:
A what?
Delia:
A document created using Apple which is non compatible for most employees to open at Dorset.
Sam:
Oh like a MAC mac. I'm kick starting my discovery again after Christmas break so I've not even got the problems yet let alone solving them! What did you do the solve the problem?
Delia:
I couldn't open it either so with the power of Google I found the solution and helped the user resolve the situation and gave them the skills to do it next time. We discussed becoming a Workplace Digital Champion and using Yammer to ask for help too.
Sam:
I think the important part for me is giving the skills to do it next time. Like the ‘give a man and fish’ expression and all that. Although i prefer Ron Swanson's version!
Delia:
Fishing may not be hard but it’s boring. I will stick to running thanks.
Sam :
Running 🤮
Looking back and looking forward
Sam:
For me this week has been a bit of a retrospective. Looking back at some of the things last year like projects and the festival and then writing and evaluating how we think they went.
Delia:
What ideas have you for next years festival? have you recovered from it yet?
Sam:
I did take me until Christmas break to recover but then i had loads of ideas for futurefest22 (if it happens?) so its more of a curse!
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This is one of my favourite photos from the festival. To everyone reading I promise it was more interesting then Delia makes it look!
Delia:
I was exhausted from the change of working outside again rather than being cooped up at home behind a screen.
Sam:
I know the feeling, that whole week was KNACKERING. I saw you posted some interesting stats about uptake, have you been looking back as well?
Delia:
I have been looking back at the stats for Teams and Yammer in the last year. Yammer readership has increased by 75% and we hope to encourage more users to post. Teams is being used for meetings and chat but we still have work to do to encourage collaboration day to day in teams channels.
Sam:
What do you think is not connecting with people about day to day usage? Is it time, workload or they just don't see the value yet?
Delia:
I think its a combination of all of the above plus you need people in the team to lead by example and start conversations. We have a social channel and love how I know the café now sells lemon fanta thanks to Vicky Mears.
Sam:
Leading by example is key, we do a lot in the team that is really great and I think we need to start showcasing this to the rest of the organisation. There are loads of teams doing amazing things in the council but only their little bubbles know about it. This is something that needs to change and i want to change!
Hope you enjoyed my first week note. Thanks for helping and fuelling the conversation this week Sam. I am hoping to continue this weekly and make it my new habit. Sam has inspired me with his amazing pieces.
Bye for now.
