What is different about virtual team meetings?

A virtual meeting is very different from a physical meeting is the same space.  When we meet using only voice (teleconference) or image and voice (video conference) then we remove a lot of the body language which forms the basis of human communication.

In this video we highlight some of the differences between traditional and virtual meetings

Points to remember

As humans we instinctively form social groups, establish relationships and develop ways of communicating with each other. Body language, physical presence and the way we say things has a significant influence on this communication when physically together.

When we use virtual teamworking solutions many of these factors change.

• Relationship building
  • Its easier to meet virtually with someone you know than someone you don’t!
  • Establishing new business relationships is more difficult as you may not have the shared background
• Knowledge of technology
  • Video conference, webcast, virtual classroom, eLearning, remote desktop management, shared repository, virtual collaboration and team management are all different things!
  • This can be overwhelming ! Start with some commonly used tools and progress from there!
• Ways of working
  • These change with virtual collaboration – particularly if you have to resolve differences
  • Many companies have developed specific virtual team work guidelines to help effectiveness
• Generational differences in adoption
  • Young people have grown up with technology and proactively manage their “digital identity”.
  • Older people may not be accustomed to using technologies and may need a longer adoption time