Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Hybrid Zoom Meetings - Need Help

[Karen Gimnig Nemiah (gimnig]

Lots of good things have been said on this thread.  Here is the piece I
would add:

If you are asking yourselves, zoom, in person or hybrid, I don't think
there is one answer for all meetings.  We meet for a lot of different
reasons and they optimize with different formats.  Here are some examples:

To share information - This can work really well on zoom. It's not very
interactive so the lower sense of connection isn't a big deal. A lot of
people can do this and multi-task in the ways that have been mentioned.
Likely zoom will have higher participation, so more transfer of
information.  And if the information is related to text or spreadsheets
those can be either shared on a shared screen for easy pointing by the
presenter and/or shared as files that participants can move around in on
their own to answer their own questions as they go.

To connect emotionally, especially when there are disagreements - This can
be done on zoom, but is so, so much better in person. We read cues of
emotions in so many ways that simply aren't available on zoom even if
everyone has their camera on.  Forming communities don't dispair. A lot can
happen on zoom.  That said, given a choice, in person is likely to be
better when emotions are high.

To work out complex issues - depending on the content, it might be really
useful to be in person with a  lot of sticky notes and dots. Visual aids
that aren't detailed spreadsheets tend to work better in person, especially
for less tech-savvy folks.

To get buy in - this one is split. Zoom is more likely to have full
particpation. In person is more likely to activate the emotional space
where buy-in occurs.  Which is most needed in your particular situation?

Notice that none of these feels like hybrid is really the best option to
me.  Yes, Owl and presumably similar devices help a ton.  There is also an
option to run the meeting as an in-person meeting but allow remote
observers - a camera and mic in the room is far less distracting than fully
two-way participation.  This may also encourage people to come in person.
Or not. Probably need to try it and see what works for your community.

In the end, my advice is this - pay attention to your goals. Pick formats
that fit those goals. Try different approaches and see how they feel -
ideally with really authentic feedback.  If you haven't don't an all
in-person meeting in a while, try one when you have a high emotion or high
complexity topic.  You may have forgotten what you are missing.

In Community,
Karen Gimnig Nemiah
678-705-9007
www.karengimnig.net
Scheduling Calendar
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