Seen on the Screen / Zooming in on Professional Relationships

The switch to distance learning during the pandemic has made it harder for educators to forge meaningful connections with colleagues. But Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist, and University of Michigan professor Jane Dutton say it isn't impossible to create strong relationships virtually in a short amount of time. They suggest throwing out the oft-asked "How are you?" in exchange for group chats on silver linings, not being afraid to expose humanizing pieces of home life, and—games. "Unleashing people's imaginations and incorporating play … keep people more engaged but also make them more creative," says Dutton. Read the conversation at https://ideas.ted.com/the-secret-to-making-zoom-meetings-meaningful-for-you-and-your-coworkers/ and check out Grant's TED WorkLife podcast episode at https://tedtalks.social/WLQA.