Flawless Video Meetings

Video meetings are as important as in-person meetings. Although sometimes things could be out of our control (e.g., temporary connection issues, power outage), the intention to have great video meetings is a MUST at Datopian. Below we tried to describe what are the criteria for it:

• You are fully prepared for the meeting. Please, see the preparation stage below.
• You have put sufficient effort to ensure you do not have technical difficulties to perform the meeting. It can include ensuring good internet connection. Note that it is your responsibility to test your connection.
• You have a suitable environment. For example, you are in a quiet place and other people are not distracting you. It is fully your responsibility to ensure you have planned your day so that you are fully present for the meeting.
• You have a good camera, and it's on. Keeping your camera off, especially when others have theirs on, can be seen as impolite. While there may be valid reasons to keep it off at times, it's generally courteous to have your camera on during meetings.
• Using headphones is essential to ensure clear communication, both in hearing and being heard. While wireless headphones are popular, please make sure your voice comes through clearly to others. It’s a good idea to test this with someone beforehand to avoid any issues.
• We encourage you to pay attention to your appearance. Maintaining a professional appearance is important, even during video meetings. We require a smart dress code to reflect the professional standards we uphold in all interactions.
• Your presence and active participation are essential. Please ensure you eliminate any distractions during meetings so you can remain fully focused. While we aim to record most sessions, it's important to engage in the discussion and have your questions addressed during the call whenever possible.

If, for any reason, you are unable to meet the expectations outlined above, please notify the relevant individuals as soon as possible. For instance, if you’re experiencing poor internet connectivity and know it will affect your communication, it's considerate to inform others in advance. If a stable connection is crucial, you may also consider rescheduling the meeting. Should you fail to notify in advance, please ensure you restore your integrity by following the steps in our guide - https://www.datopian.com/playbook/culture#integrity.

Please, also ensure you re-visit and read our culture page on a regular basis: https://www.datopian.com/playbook/culture.

Preparation stage

Effective preparation requires proactive effort, which might take as little as 10 minutes or longer, depending on the meeting:

• Locate or create the meeting notes document in advance. Normally, this is created by your project manager and shared with you beforehand.
• Ensure there is a dedicated section for the upcoming meeting, including the date, participant names, overall meeting objective, and a detailed agenda.
• It’s essential to understand the meeting’s purpose to contribute meaningfully and ensure a productive outcome.
• Review the agenda thoroughly to familiarize yourself with the discussion points and be ready for any topics that require your input.