Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
This month's hot-topic is communication. Earlier in the month, my peer Ambassador, @Emily Luijbregts, posted a topic HERE, please go check it out if you haven't already.
Things have changed dramatically over the last several months, and along for that ride as well has been a need to adapt our communications styles accordingly. Being that we are 100% remote and entirely communicating electronically (email, Slack/Teams, IM tools, etc.) and in conference or video calls, how have you adapted your style to elicit the same or even more, engagement from your audience? Have you been able to learn different skills to increase your comfortability and effectiveness leading virtual meetings, training, or workshops?
For me, I have absolutely become more comfortable with virtual facilitation and video conferencing. At first, I was a bit nervous and uncomfortable being on camera all the time, but over time became used to it, and now, I don't even think about! I've adapted my facilitation by adopting and leveraging different types of tools and techniques which has not only garnered increased active participation and success, but also has bolstered my own repertoire of skills and options! I'd call it a win-win!
Now, it's your turn. Please share your story. What have you done to adapt to this new communication normal? Saving Changes...
Sort By:
Adela TataruSenior Project Manager| Self EmployedVancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Hello Andrew,
For me, the transition to virtual conferencing was quite smooth as I have worked previously with dispatched teams around the world and had already some experience.
The main difficulty was to know if everything is well understood by everyone. A lot of communication we do in the face to face meetings happens through gestures and facial expressions, and virtually it is not quite the same (if there are too many people on the screen it is not always clear, if people choose not to put on their webcam it is not clear etc)
The best way would be to have smaller meetings with well prepared agendas when possible, always do a reformulated recap for everyone (orally at the end of a meeting) and by sending meeting notes afterwards and make sure to communicate on important topics with everyone impacted.
Also, making sure that everyone is actively involved, by giving the floor to each participant during the meeting is crucial in order to open the discussions and making decisions. Of course, this depends on the kind of meetings that are held.
Using online collaboration tools also helped sharing an updated information in real time.
And having virtual coffee breaks can also help in communicating in a more informal way. I had scheduled in my team's agenda every day a specific time when anyone can join if they want where we exchanged on our day, work related or not. It seems weird but having 5-10 min sometime during the day at a specific time available for anyone to join makes it a way for some members to relax, share small details and updates without the pressure of doing it in a very formal way. It also created a form of solidarity by exposing the fact that we lived the same experience (at work and at home) and allowed us to exchange tips on how to handle some issues as well. Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
Hi Adela -
Thank you for your great feedback. Love the virtual coffee breaks. It's important to remain creative in looking for solutions to the missing aspects of everyday life. Virtual coffee, hangout, happy hour, etc. Lots of options and opportunities.
Meetings can pose different challenges. I've noticed most working agreements including using webcams, and I also have noticed most have become so comfortable with using them, it is not really thought about. Not as much worry on looking perfect, recognizing we are human and have life going on, so if need to get up and walk away and come back, don't necessarily have to turn off the camera and hide the fact, just do it. Maybe just write a note in the chat or simply state you'll be right back.
Also, tools are changing how we can view the meetings. More members on the screen at once or stadium seating view. But yes, agenda's and solid facilitation is still very important to a successful outcome. Otherwise, the meeting is not needed.
