So, on-line meetings – how would you rate them?
To be tolerated or really worthwhile?
With the ever-increasing use of technology and the opportunities for online networking, it’s easy to think we’re shifting away from in-person meetings.
On the other hand, Steve Jobs, co-founder and CEO of Apple, knew a long time ago that face-to-face meetings would never go out of style, quoting “There’s a temptation in our networked age to think that ideas can be developed by email and iChat. That’s crazy. Creativity comes from spontaneous meetings, from random discussions.”
We are all experiencing meetings with Zoom, FaceTime, Teams, Google Meet etc. and essentially we are doing well. The cost savings are clear.
Yet some find it an unwelcome resource. They find it not conducive to real relationships and overwhelming. Having a screen full of faces is not the same as eye to eye contact. There’s no touch, you can’t easily detect a grin or a grimace and any body language is wiped out.
However, the destruction of the environment by flying business people here there and everywhere is a concern and must be limited. There are many simple meetings and briefings held that do not require a physical presence and, for sure, they should be on line. It’s easier than having to make an effort to be present in mind, body and spirit. Not only does it save money, but also saves attending those meetings where little gets done or achieved. Although, that’s just down to poor meeting management, ignorance or bad habits – nothing to do with benefits of electronics. The case for on line meetings is clear.
But, so is the case for face to face meetings. The ones that make us get up and go somewhere. The ones that make us welcome visitors and form relationships. The ones that involve a cup of coffee, chat, networking and success.
These meetings need to be run well and if the current necessity for on line achieves one thing, I hope it will be an awareness that if a face to face meeting is to happen, it needs to be well run, well planned and must achieve its objectives.
And that is going to be the big difference. Meetings need to be better run, cost effective and achieve their objectives – every time. The days of boring meetings sitting around a table masking yawns while watching PowerPoint presentations or endless lists on flip charts are over.
We can and should do better!
