As the novel coronavirus spreads, businesses may ask more people to work from home. While work from home arrangements are increasingly common, they can be jarring in businesses where it’s not the norm. DDI aims to help lower the risk of lost productivity as employees work virtually.
DDI is offering a free online course, Leading Virtual Meetings, to help meeting leaders keep engagement and productivity high while working remotely. Technology makes it possible for teams to instantly meet, regardless of location. Attending virtual meetings presents new communication and collaboration challenges.
Developed in collaboration with Dr. Steven G. Rogelberg, the world’s leading meetings expert and author of The Surprising Science of Meetings, the course prepares leaders to maximize virtual meetings. It offers practical tips to avoid wasted time and ensure effective collaboration and decision making.
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“Depending on the coronavirus’ severity, people may need to work remotely for safety reasons for an unknown amount of time,” said Tacy Byham, Ph.D., DDI’s chief executive officer. “Businesses will have to pivot to ensure continuity. It’s particularly important during difficult times to stay closely engaged with your team, and leaders need to employ a different skillset to help their teams carry on virtually.”
Research found 33 percent of conference calls are wasted with distractions. However, working remotely presents unique challenges for leaders, who must keep employees engaged. Rogelberg discovered 21 percent struggle to communicate and collaborate, while 16 percent get distracted while working remotely.
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The course provides leaders with an opportunity to review their effectiveness and evaluate their approach to engaging audiences. Leading Virtual Meetings includes:
- A self-evaluation tool to evaluate approaches to ensuring efficiency and productivity, and maintaining audience interest and involvement
- Tips to effectively plan, maintain progress and leverage technology while working remotely
- A guide featuring best practices for effectively facilitating virtual meetings
“It’s incredibly hard to lead during time of crisis, making emotional intelligence valuable to helping your team succeed,” Byham said. “Leaders need to communicate frankly, inspire confidence and ease fears. Drawing upon empathy, leaders should help their teams understand their importance to their organization – especially during a crisis like the coronavirus.”
