Cameras On, Pajamas Optional: Leading Remote Teams with Authenticity and Superpowers

Ah, the world of remote work. A place where we swap in-person meetings for video calls, office attire for pajama pants, and well... actually talking to people for sending Slack messages into the void. But one thing that hasn’t quite caught on with everyone? Turning on the camera during video calls.

Yes, I said it. Cameras. That tiny button that makes or breaks our virtual existence. You know, the one we avoid like we’re hiding from a pop quiz. But as leaders, especially if we want to bring in that human-centered leadership vibe, we’ve got to figure out this whole "camera on or off" dilemma. And hey, maybe it’s not just about privacy or bad hair days. Maybe it’s something more. So, let’s dive in.

Cameras Off: Are We Really Our Best Selves in a Digital Box?

Picture this: you're on a Zoom call, your boss starts talking, and the camera's on. Suddenly, you realize your "relaxing in bed" look isn’t giving CEO material. But why do some of us resist this camera craze? It’s not like we hate technology, right?

Maybe it’s because we’re worried about being our authentic selves—or worse, we’re afraid someone might see that our "office" is really the kitchen table surrounded by last night’s pizza boxes. But what if not turning on your camera isn’t about laziness, but more about the fear of being too real?

So, how do we fix this? As leaders, we can help people feel comfortable enough to hit that camera button without feeling like they're stepping onto a virtual red carpet. Start by turning your own camera on and maybe strategically placing a plant or bookshelf behind you. Nothing says “I’m relatable and professional” quite like some fake greenery, right?

How Remote Flexibility Can Make Your Team Actually Want to Be Seen

But let’s get real: forcing people to turn on their cameras is like forcing someone to eat salad at a pizza party—technically possible, but wildly unpopular. Instead, try adding flexibility. Some people have killer ideas when they’re off-camera, maybe because they’re pacing the room in fuzzy slippers. Encourage your team to engage in ways that work for them.

And if their camera's off because they're feeling disconnected, maybe the issue isn’t the camera at all. Maybe it's about creating the kind of remote environment where they want to participate fully. Pro tip: bribing people with virtual backgrounds of tropical islands or space isn’t enough. They need to feel like their contributions matter, whether they’re on camera or channeling their inner introvert.

Is Your Virtual Background Holding You Back?

Let’s talk about backgrounds for a second. We all know the types: the classic "I’m working from a beach," the ambitious bookshelf, and the occasional mystery room that looks like it might belong to a secret agent. But here’s the thing—are these fancy backdrops getting in the way of people feeling comfortable?

Leaders, it’s up to us to stop judging someone based on whether their real background is a mess of laundry or a perfectly curated space. Encourage your team to be themselves, whether they’re rocking a kid's artwork on the wall or the latest "living in a van" aesthetic.

Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB): Your Team’s Secret Superpower

Here’s where the magic happens—when people feel comfortable, they start going the extra mile. Ever notice that colleague who’s always ready to help with tech issues, or the one who sends a “you’ve got this” message on a tough day? That’s called Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB), and it’s basically like being a superhero of the workplace—just without the cape (unless someone’s wearing one off-screen).

There are five superhero moves to OCB:

1. Altruism – Helping others out without expecting anything in return. Kind of like when someone shares their screen and their snacks during a meeting.
2. Courtesy – Checking in with your teammates, even when you’re busy. It's like saying, “Hey, you’re still alive, right?”
3. Sportsmanship – Rolling with the punches, even when tech breaks down. That frozen screen? No problem, we’ll just wait while you reboot.
4. Conscientiousness – Being on top of your game, even when no one’s watching (because, you know, cameras are off).
5. Civic Virtue – Staying engaged in what’s going on, even when the Wi-Fi cuts out. Because who doesn’t love a team player?

Job Crafting: The Cool Way to Let Your Team Redesign Their Work

Now, here’s where the fun begins. Imagine if your team members could take their work and mold it into something that actually fits their passions and skills. That’s called job crafting, and it’s like being able to build your own workday superpower.

Want to let someone who’s great at communication handle the tricky client calls? Go for it. Have someone who’s all about spreadsheets? Let them create the next big data masterpiece. When people craft their jobs around what they love, magic happens—whether their camera’s on or off.

How to Turn Cameras On (Without Losing Your Mind)

At the end of the day, human-centered leadership is about making space for people to be themselves—whether they're hiding behind a virtual background or embracing the messy, real-life one. Give them the flexibility to engage in ways that work best for them, encourage those superhero OCB behaviors, and let them craft their work to fit their strengths.

So, next time you're on a call and notice a sea of black boxes, remember: sometimes, the best way to get someone to turn on their camera is by creating an environment where they want to—no fake palm trees required.