There has been a LOT of content generated of late about the new challenges of communicating, running meetings and leading teams in a virtual environment. Much of it has been good, including several of the pieces posted here by our Latimer team.
But just for a moment, let’s look at this another way. Sure, there are some key differences between communicating in person and communicating virtually.
But the list of the things that are exactly or mostly the same is pretty long… arguably a LOT longer. For example:
- You have to communicate in a purposeful, outcome oriented way. Don’t just be a messenger. Have a goal.
- You have to think about who you are communicating with, what they care about and be situationally aware.
- You need to know what you are going to say, and what you want your audience to remember.
- If you have materials to show, they better back up what you are going to say, and not be visually overwhelming.
- You need to think about how you are going to present yourself, and your delivery has to be authentic and engaging.
- You need to have a short version in your back pocket, in case the meeting gets cuts short, or for some reason your allotted time gets used up.
- You need to anticipate likely questions, so you don’t ruin your main message with a tragically inadequate answer.
I think you get the point. These are topics that we write about here all the time, and whether you are communicating in person or via a virtual platform, most of the same rules apply.
This is relevant because I have heard a lot of people lately talking about virtual communication as if they are learning a new skill. And this is not a new skill. It is the same skill you have been working on for a long time, just in a slightly different format. Yes, there are some differences. But there are also many similarities. And my advice to you here is not to build up in your mind that it’s so dramatically different. Instead focus on all the things you were already working on and already good at. Add in a few new wrinkles that are based on the real differences. And you will probably be just fine.
Take a deep breath. The brave new world we are all in isn’t entirely new. You have a lot of muscle memory you can rely on.
You got this.
Have a great day.
Does your team:
– Take too long to make decision?
– Fail to ask for what it wants or needs from you?
– Make things too complicated?
– Deliver unconvincing or disorganized presentations?
– Have new hires who are unprepared to communicate in the workplace?
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