Do you warn others in chat before leaving a group call?
Group calls are made for important discussions to be had, and distractions can derail them. Ever been in a group call where someone just vanishes? It's confusing and can mess up the flow of conversation.
Taking a short break
If you have to take a break, avoid interruptinons and keep things moving by simply messaging 'BRB' and 'I'm Back' in the chat.
Leaving the group call without letting anyone know.
Figure: Bad example - Makes everyone pause and ask where you went
Interrupting the flow of conversation to verbally tell everyone you have to leave.
Figure: OK example - It's good to communicate, but still stops the chat for a bit
Messaging in the group chat "brb in X mins" ... and then "I’m back" when you return.
Figure: Good example - The call can continue smoothly and the team will know when you're back
Leaving the call
If you need to leave the conversation, simply message that you have to go with the reason and without interrupting. Aim to give a few minutes notice.
Messaging in the group chat "Sorry, I have to go guys - Dinner time" and leave straight away
Figure: OK example - The call can continue smoothly and no one will be guessing where you went
Messaging in the group chat "Dinner time - Will have to go in 5 minutes"
Figure: Good example - The call can continue smoothly and people still have a chance to talk to you if they need
This way the conversation doesn't need to pause if you are taking a break; and no one has to stop and wonder where you went.
See this cool suggestion to make BRB a built-in feature on Microsoft Teams.
