Strategizing Your Virtual Gatherings: A Step-by-Step Guide
Virtual Meeting Essentials: A New Approach
Zoom, Teams, and other online meeting platforms have become the norm these days. But to make these digital encounters productive and seamless, follow these essential guidelines.
Punctuality is Golden
Treat virtual meetings as you would face-to-face gatherings: be on time! Since travel isn't a concern, you have no excuse for tardiness. Arrival early allows host and participants to ensure technology works flawlessly before the meeting officially starts.
Make a Checklist
Have a checklist for all virtual meetings to keep things organized and consistent. Include elementary points like adequate lighting and audio/video checks, plus specific requirements like making your background distractor-free or silencing your phone.
Plan Ahead: The Agenda Matters
Set your meeting's agenda, just as you would in traditional face-to-face settings. A clear agenda keeps everyone focused, informed, and prepared. Distribute it in advance for feedback and adjustments.
Time Management is Key
Use a timer during the meeting, and stick to the plan you've outlined. If a topic needs extra attention, schedule a follow-up session rather than derailing the agenda.
Breaks are Essential
Take small breaks between meetings to allow participants to decompress and prepare for the next session. A short 15-minute break can make a world of difference in meeting effectiveness.
Recap and Follow-Up
After the meeting concludes, provide a brief summary to all participants. Quickly circulating minutes ensures everything stays fresh in participants' minds and helps with action items.
Building Successful Virtual Meetings: A Game PlanBy: Rashelle Isip, INC (Updated in 2023)
Share this:
- Click to print (Opens in new window)Print
- Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)LinkedIn
- Click to share on X (Opens in new window)X
- Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)Email
- Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Facebook
- Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Twitter
- Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)Pinterest
- Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)WhatsApp
- Click to share on AddToAny (Opens in new window)AddToAny
- Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Pocket
- Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Reddit
Related
- Virtual Offsites that Work: We need to master the art of hosting virtual events, meetings, and seminars just as we do other vital work processes. Key components include clear objectives, diligent agenda organization, concise summaries, selective attendees, and documented decisions. Read More in "HBR"
- Leading Better Virtual Meetings: Managing a meeting is an indicator of a competent manager, and conducting successful hybrid meetings is essential for early-stage managers. In "HBR," find tips and strategies to foster effective virtual meetings.
- 3 Advantages of Virtual Meetings over In-Person Ones: While there are limitations to virtual meetings, it's essential to recognize the benefits they offer. From increased flexibility to better accessibility, virtual encounters have benefits that traditional meetings may lack. More in "HBR".
In the game plan for building successful virtual meetings, surround the discourse with technology that promotes effective communication, such as integrating financial analytic tools for discussions about potential investments or business strategies.
Moreover, employing business intelligence technology can help track meeting efficiencies, ensuring decisions are data-driven and contributing to the overall progress of the enterprise.