The COVID-19-driven need to embrace technology for running meetings has been a real thing. So back in May, I did an email covering some of the basics about running a zoom meeting. The use of Zoom is part of how we work now so timely those links back to the website for everyone.

The fact remains a number of people are working from home and that for the rest of us all getting into one room together isn't possible. It's allowed us to think about how we work in general on a much bigger scale and that's all been great and is a key part of the conversation as we work on our next steps. It has also been a huge learning curve for using the actual technology and shifting how we might normally run meetings to how they can function well in the virtual medium. 

I've been on an amazing 2-hour conference via Zoom, with about 45 people, none of whom I knew. The time flew by, I felt connected to the group, and I didn't once switch off in any shape or form. A couple of things contributed to this. The facilitation played a huge part, they got everyone on the same page with the technology and how things were going to run. The use of break-out rooms meant that chats could occur in a small group, that felt connective and real. 

It's not easy though, it takes practice, courage and a sense of safety to fail, make mistakes and keep trying to get it working for the whole team or group. It's given us a whole new space for humour in sharing and understanding the challenges, this video sums that up perfectly.  

This week I've collated a series of links with tips and ideas for you whether leading or participating in virtual meetings. Learning new skills is something that falls to you all as a leader, being vulnerable as you learn alongside your team takes safety and in itself is a great way to forge connections and to spot talent in your team, giving others a chance to shine, stretch and make a difference.

Have some fun with it. One group I've been meeting with seem to have a thing for hats! 
 

Basics and getting started

The Zoom help centre has a heap of short videos, a great place to start

A new to zoom article and then tips to get the most out of using Zoom (yes including changing the backgrounds)

Some suggestions for the do's and don'ts of video conferencing 
 

Moving onward

Some Zoom tips and tricks

What it takes to run a great virtual meeting

How then to stop zoning out in a Zoom meeting

This does require active listening 

And it means showing up 

Taking it up a level with Jammin 

I may be addicted to finding backgrounds 

Tips for virtual collaboration from TED and for making your meetings meaningful 
 

The trouble spots 

When it's exhausting being online for meeting after meeting

I'm curious if the rubber chicken idea can work virtually 

Written in 2012 this article looks at the flaws of virtual meetings

Zoom fatigue explained (on a video of course)
 

Working from home 

Thriving while working from home. 

Keeping your team motivated remotely 

Resources and tips from Evernote