Are Virtual Challenges Really More Challenging?
I’m the first to admit the idea of virtual meetings kind of freaks me out. The sheer number of things that could go wrong and set members into a tizzy is almost enough to put me off it entirely: what if they aren’t computer-savvy enough to even log on? What if there’s a technical glitch that brings the event to a grinding halt? What if they aren’t able to sit in front of a computer for an entire day’s worth of sessions? A million what-ifs, all culminating in an avalanche of irate members demanding their money back.
I contemplated this stuff as I sat in yesterday’s session, Making the Transition from Onsite Conferences to Virtual Sessions. Which I arrived at 15 minutes late, by the way, because first my room wasn’t ready, then the elevator was out and I couldn’t get to the room, then I had to rush back to the main hotel where the meeting room was. Then it was hot in the room; then cold. I was following Twitter while listening to the presenter and listening to the side-conversations that were going on throughout the session.
It dawned on me that maybe the challenges of virtual meetings aren’t all that different than those of live meetings. While there are many distractions when you’re participating in a meeting from your desk at home or work, there are equally many—if different—distractions at live meetings.
Or am I just too ADHD for live meetings?
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Comments
Virtual meetings present far more distractions. It's easier to be late or even forget about the meeting; you can do other work at your desk; you can get up and walk away from the screen; you can take phone calls during the meeting without other people knowing it; staff can knock on your door or try to talk to you.
These things won't happen in live meetings. Sure, you can leave if you are bored, but you'll probably just drop into another live session. Also, a live session will be more likely to command your attention because you have pretty much distanced yourself from your workspace.
Live, face-to-face meetings offer more stimuli than do virtual meetings. So, if you have the time and money to travel, it may be worth it.
Posted by: David M. Patt, CAE | February 22, 2009 4:44 PM
The one thing I find challenging about most virtual meetings as they currently are conducted is the lack of the feedback loop. While nonverbals aren't always precise, looking around a room and seeing people's reactions to comments, the session pace, etc. is instructive. I really miss those nuances in virtual conversations and emoticons and polling just don't quite do it.
Posted by: Jeffrey Cufaude | February 23, 2009 4:27 PM