Speaking in absolutist terms, I can't know as 'fact', true. The output/quality/pace of the group was about as close as it could be during that period of no camera whatsoever. But the comparison is my normal MO which is camera on a few minutes per week. So the delta wasn't that different to begin with.
What efforts have you made to get candid feedback here though?
> it's only been a noted issue with a handful of folks, and never been a deal breaker
In my experience it’s not realistic to expect people to proactively note constructive feedback on one’s unhelpful behaviors. It takes creativity and effort to collect candid feedback.
Do you work with anyone for whom the language spoken at work is not their first language? They might appreciate any advantage you could offer to make yourself easy to understand.
No, everyone (bar one person) has the same native language. The person with non-native English does not care, and often has their camera off as well.
The 'issue', such as it has ever been raised, was "why don't you have your camera on?", and in one case it was "I have no camera", and in another case it was "I'm walking around, you won't see me or you'll get dizzy trying to look at me".
> It takes creativity and effort to collect candid feedback.
I'm not sure how much I actually want to spend time 'collecting candid feedback' vs a) getting stuff done and b) supporting other people in getting their stuff done. Camera on/off has not been noted as enough of a hindrance (as in, any at all) by anyone as an impact on their ability to get stuff done. We also have phones and direct meetings where people can collaborate that way.
Forcing "cameras on" is... the covid-era version of "butts in seats" it seems.
Ah, you don’t need to choose between collecting feedback to feed your growth, and a) and b). At least, in my career I found pursuing and considering candid reflections from others that I admire, on my behavior, has made me more effective in a) and b). I acknowledge it’s not for everyone. I also enjoy working with people that share this interest in learning how others perceive ourselves, it makes me feel cared about, imbues a certain empathy to our relationship, and helps us keep our egos in check. It matters more for managers than ICs, for obvious reasons. FWIW
> Forcing "cameras on" is... the covid-era version of "butts in seats" it seems.
I guess you mention this to give depth to your sentiment. No disagreement from me or any other commenter on this article on this statement! Something we all agree on for once :)
How do you know this for a fact? You think sharing your face isn’t valuable, why do you think this applies to everyone you work with, too?