In this new reality of virtual meetings replacing face-to-face interactions, it is imperative to consider how our non-verbal communication through the small window of a computer screen may affect people’s impressions of us.  In a virtual conference room, nonverbal cues often speak louder than our words. Eye contact is an important component for building trust through communication and unfortunately is one casualty of communicating through a video platform.  ”Direct eye contact is nearly impossible on a video call.  To demonstrate artificial eye contact in a call, individuals will need to stare directly at the webcam. However, by staring at the

In a standard day, the average person makes 35,000 decisions!  What to eat, what to wear, turn left, turn right, start this project, make that call.  No wonder the term “decision fatigue” was created to describe this drain on our mental energy.  In today’s volatile environment, the ability to adapt and make critical decisions takes on an even more heightened importance and that exhaustion you may be feeling could very likely be decision fatigue.  We place great value on the process at SMART and following a process for making important or difficult decisions can help us be more successful and

We dusted off this SMART.remark from a previous election year because it is still a good reminder today. Having informed political views and exercising your right to vote accordingly is so important. But, sharing your political views in the workplace just isn’t a good idea. “People’s political beliefs are too closely tied to their identities to be discussed without incident at work. Disagreeing with someone else’s views can quickly alter their otherwise strong perception of you. Confronting someone’s core values is one of the most insulting things you can do. Granted, different people treat politics differently, but asserting your values can alienate

Data Literacy is now named as a critical job skill by employers as companies are increasingly utilizing data to drive decisions. This move to data-driven organizations requires data literacy skills in all roles and levels of the organization, because without people being equipped with the skills to understand the data and utilize it to make best decisions, the data is wasted. Do you speak data? The linked article provides a primer on Artificial Intelligence (AI). “The use of AI and machine learning (ML) is occurring in a wide range of solutions and applications, from ERP and manufacturing software to content management,