Our New Virtual/Physical Balance
So in recent weeks, I’ve hosted or moderated virtual webinars, panel discussions and happy hours with people all across the world (separate from the countless virtual one-on-ones and small group meetings that have become such a mainstay for us all now).
I approached these events with some trepidation, unsure of the how the back and forth that’s necessary would happen in the virtual world, given the normal back and forth of in-person conversation (versus the sequential nature of videoconference technology) or the pronounced nature of (awkward) silence in such settings, especially ones where not everyone knows each other.
As it turned out, my worries were unfounded. The events went extremely well, with plenty of engagement and lots of (reasonably) free-flowing dialogue. There was also an expressed desire to keep holding such forums on a more regular basis.
I’ve been thinking about why that was the case. How were we able to translate the physical experience to the virtual environment so easily?
The first reason, to my mind, was that there was a clear thirst for connection. After more than a month of lockdown, I think people were yearning for opportunities to meet and discuss ideas and topics with people other than their colleagues. To return to some semblance of normality and engage with others who shared common interests (outside of their families and their own work colleagues). This was clear in the attendance numbers of each of the events, which were higher than normal.
The second was that these forums acted - in part because of the lack of traditional connection we’ve become accustomed to - as a means to get advice from our peers. These forums are available in normal times but the need for it is more acute now. How are you handling this issue? How did you grapple with that problem? Are you planning to change in this way or that? As much as there was a thirst for connection, there was a thirst for knowledge and insight, and in some ways, reassurance for the way we’re doing things ourselves.
Another interesting point was that the nature of the forum - the use of video sessions where the focus can only be on one person at a time - meant we all had to actually listen. We had to hear what the individual on point at that moment had to say, so that any follow on or added explanation or segue made sense. Yes, you can also focus on something else for a moment or two, but you had to work harder to stay “in the loop” in that moment.
In some ways, the virtual forums were better than physical ones, in that they allowed people to exercise some level of control that they otherwise wouldn’t. You could worry (a bit less) about dress code. There were no “transactional costs” i.e. you didn’t have to get in a car and go somewhere. There was a natural informality to the proceedings. And you could simply relax at home as you engaged in these events.
Underlying all of the points above, was the reinforcement of a sense of community, a sense that we’re all going through some crazy times. That any “off-center” feelings that you’re experiencing are, actually, pretty normal and not atypical. That we’re in this together.
Of course, when “normal” (whatever that is) resumes, I think most if not all of us will welcome the physical connection again. Some of the transactional costs I referenced above will be welcome, we’ll look forward to it.
But I do think we’ll re-emerge with a far great appreciation of the virtual experience - that it can work, that it can be productive, and that we can continue to connect, ask for and deliver value. The balance has been well and truly tilted, towards a different equilibrium.
