Engaging teams in a virtual setting

Does anyone else feel like their charm only works in person?

One of the biggest challenges I've been dealing with since #covid started is figuring out the best way to engage participants in virtual meetings. Let's assume the meeting is useful and necessary- lets assume they care about the topic and that even though they may be burned out from work and other meetings they WANT TO BE ENGAGED during this meeting. How can I keep them engaged and focused virtually?

I can't help but think of think of Hamilton (play) "Talk less... smile more". Another tactic I use is non-verbal participation...I ask them to complete a survey before hand or work on a shared document on their own. I tend to get better results....still not the same as being in person but I think that in time, we will all continue to adjust. Today's 2 hour virtual event had 3 different engagement components. I did not want to spend it talking at them!

This is a snapshot from a Rapid Improvement Event from earlier today. Even though we wanted to be in person placing sticky notes on a parchment paper, we leveraged some existing technology to do "the same thing". I remembered to "talk less, smile more" as I watched the small icons pop up on the screens showing where participants were sharing their initial feedback on the current process. It was reassuring that they were actively participating and engaged in the final activity. Of course, I immediately sent out a survey asking for feedback so I can pivot before the next meeting on Wednesday. Ah, it always feels good to be doing the work you love to do. #continuousimprovement #valuestreammapping #processimprovement #healthcare #leanthinking #projectmanagement #leadership

“Advanced Practitioner Recruiter at Ascension Wisconsin

“Thank you for keeping this meeting so engaging!” Patrice Hutchinson, Advanced Practitioner Recruiter at Ascension Wisconsin