The Wingperson - A Tip for Hybrid Meetings

Ever been a remote participant in a hybrid meeting, trying to jump in without notice while the conversation barrels on without you? And then having to awkwardly stop mid-sentence and pull your hand back down when you realize no one is watching the giant broadcast of your face in the conference room? Just me? 😅

One fix: Before the meeting starts, pair each remote attendee with a "wingperson"...basically someone in the room who’s got their back.

Their role? Watch for moments when the person on the screen is trying to jump in, echo what was said if the mic missed it, and share quick side notes in the chat if there's crosstalk in the room. This simple connection point bridges the gap in real time, keeping remote team members in the flow without forcing them to constantly interrupt or feel left out.

It’s a small change that can make a big difference in making hybrid meetings feel less like two separate conversations or teams. Would love to know if you've found any helpful hacks to keep remote voices in the mix?

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I'm Annie and I've been lucky to have some great wingpeople, which is what makes me believe the future of dispersed work is full of possibilities.