We have come to the era of virtual meetings. That is not to suggest that the idea of virtual meetings is new to us. It’s just that they are now more and more important to how we do business.
Just a few months ago, virtual meetings were only mostly determined by geographical distance. Any meeting that came up amongst or between people who live in the same city had to be held physically.
You remember those days, no doubt!
But that was before COVID 19 came and changed our lives. That is after shutting down most of the world’s economic and social apparatus. No one saw it coming. It just came! And it took us all by surprise!
Then it became necessary to stay apart from one another as much as possible.
The virus stared us all in the face like an undefeatable monster. We have to adjust or die. For instance, a renowned OAP lost his life and that led to the closing down of a whole division of a publicly-traded bank in Nigeria.
Why?
Is he staff of the bank?
Capital NO!
Why did they shut down the division?
Contact! Yes, that is true!
His wife happens to work in that division. She is one of those he had contact with before he was tested positive for COVID 19. And of course, she too tested positive. That is what led to the temporary closure of the offices of the division.
So how did they continue functioning?
Virtual meetings. That is even though they all reside in the same city – Lagos.
What are the dos and don’ts of Virtual Meetings?
- Do Arrive Early. Set an alarm. Check your data level. Do not keep people waiting. Don’t show up late. Shun anything that will make you show up late. After all, you are “working” from home.
- Do find a serene environment. This is absolutely important. Don’t stay in a noisy place for the meeting. Do not distract other participants.
- Do ensure the place is well lighted. Virtual meetings are better when everyone can be seen clearly. Don’t use dull-colored light.
- Do find a nice background. If you can’t get a good background, use a virtual one. Don’t stay in a clustered room. It does you a disservice.
- Do dress well. Don’t make the mistake of putting on your pajamas.
There are more. Kindly suggest some in the comment section below.
