It often seems as though you're just getting started on a project and everything seems to be going well and ideas are coming like never before, and then you realize there's 2 minutes till your next meeting! Should you go late? Make an excuse to miss it? Phone a friend to take notes for you?
What about virtual meetings? Sit at your computer. Use your built-in web cam and microphone to communicate. Continue working on your project on a side window. No commute or disruption. Very nice.
The Harvard Business Review recently released an article describing How To Conduct A Virtual Meeting. There are some great suggestions, some you may be aware of and others may come as an accepted surprise.
1. Recognize that virtual meetings are suboptimal and plan accordingly.
2. Plan the virtual meeting in 10-minute segments.
3. Pause regularly for group input.
4. Label your emotions, and ask others to do the same.
5. Don't neglect the small talk, but use video.
The article emphasizes that meetings like this will never replace the need for face-to-face interaction (as does the this blog author), but it is a good solution for most of the non-critical 'stuff.'
Are virtual meetings going to be a more integral part of our lives moving forward? Please feel free to comment and let us know! :)
