The centre for remote relationships

Here are a few statements relating to remote working, based on recent research:

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• With almost no exception, effective meetings require an atmosphere of openness.

• In developed countries, most workers also belong to a virtual team [i] [ii].

• The human factor is the biggest barrier facing virtual teams [iii]

• Concentrating a virtual team in one physical location for the benefit of a joint activity is very effective but not always feasible or economically justified.

• Especially these days, with the Coronavirus pandemic,  it is desirable to reduce the amount of travel abroad as much as possible.

• Read here for more technical tips.

So the obvious solution is to have virtual meetings - sounds simple right? Turns out that virtual meetings are often ineffective, to say the least.

 

Virtual meetings can be very varied when it comes to content and goals. In recent years we have found that a well-run virtual workshop can allow for significant learning, touching on personal issues, harnesses, and high levels of collaboration on the part of participants.

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One may argue that an extreme use case of virtual work is the ability to provide online group therapy. Surprisingly, research has shown that remote group therapy (using video conferencing) can be as efficient as regular group therapy when all are located in the same room.  

 

Examples of possible content:

• Team development.

• Courage - Coping with thoughts and feelings.

• communication.

• Brainstorming.

• Process development.

• Leadership development.

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From this list we can conclude that almost any subject can be offered virtually. Of course, there are definite advantages to regular workshops where all participants are physically present, but even when this is not possible, the organization's development processes can be maintained and promoted.

 

Additionally, virtual workshops can included in an organization's annual development plans to augment traditional activities.

 

Here are some tips for preparing for a virtual session, which can contribute to its success:

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• In order to create a high level of involvement of all participants, each participant must have their own mouse and keyboard.

• In order to maintain eye contact with each participant, it is essential to have a "personal" camera. Conference rooms designed for video conferencing do not allow for individual involvement.  

• It is crucial to use a computer and not a mobile phone. Using a mobile phone makes it difficult to take notes, participate, and does not allow a suitable workspace. Just as in a regular workshop, we need to aware of physical conditions and ensure a suitable setting.

• At the beginning of each session, it is very important to "break the ice" between the participants in order to allow them to get to know each other and strengthen their sense of collaboration.

• Sitting in front of a screen can be exhausting, even when the subject is fascinating. It is therefore important to incorporate short exercises to maintain alertness and energy during the meeting/workshop.

• The use of small teams should be increased, for example, the use of the “breakout rooms” capability of a zoom system. The use of small teams increases the level of engagement.

• Visual cues from participants should be used to maintain engagement and make sure the topics raised are clear to everyone. For example: "raise your hand if the subject is clear".

• The use of a shared "whiteboard" enables high levels of engagement at the same time - even in large groups.

• We found that the optimal length for a virtual workshop is 150 minutes. Concerning meetings, the length is always a derivative of the goals set for the meeting and the constraints. Rule of thumb - The duration of a virtual session should not be different from the normal session time.

• Participant preparation activities for the workshop can target and assist.

• Always remember - FOCUS on the session's goals.

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We offer a unique workshop developed in training organizations to fully utilise the potential of video conferencing and workshops.

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Of course, the workshop takes place online!

 

For more details and to schedule an appointment, call now!

 

[i] http://cdn.culturewizard.com/PDF/Trends_in_VT_Report_4-17-2016.pdf [ii] https://hbr.org/2018/02/how-to-collaborate-effectively-if-your-team -is-remote [iii] https://content.ebulletins.com/hubfs/C1/Culture%20Wizard/LL-2018%20Trends%20in%20Global%20VTs%20Draft%2012%20and%20a%20half.pdf

Weinberg, Haim, and Arnon Rolnick. "The Theory and Practice of Online Therapy." (2020).

#VIDEO_CONFERENCE, # virtual meetings, # conference calls, # corona