1 Running and Facilitating Virtual Problem Solving Sessions
Plan Ahead
- Set session objectives; leverage PO3 and Design Star frameworks Anticipate mindset, physical/ emotional distractions
- Prepare materials
- Communicate expectations; assign clear ownership to the agenda well ahead of time
- Collect and send out pre-reads to cut “report-outs” from the session
Maximize Engagement
- Make video calls the norm to minimize “multi-tasking” and distractions
- Raise relevant topics; encourage collaborative problem solving
- Frequently solicit input from participants; do breakout sessions
- Manage time and energy:
Clarify Next Steps
- Review objectives & output – did we achieve what we aimed for?
- Use the commitment wall framework to process people’s opinions and clarify ownership of, and expectations for deliverables
- Follow up with session materials, summary and action log
Useful framework for your session
2 Driving Progress and Delivering Excellent Project Output
Set the pace
Implement a project rhythm that works for the team, e.g.:
- Daily 15min team meetings to discuss goals for the day, raise potential issues
- Weekly 1-hr problem solving sessions
- Monthly project review meetings
Better, not more control
- Micromanagement and full control are impossible – let go of full control and give the team deadlines, clear, actionable goals
- Agree on KPIs upfront, and track them throughout
- Establish a safe, inclusive environment
- Pick the right team – consider skills, diversity, personalities
- Set clear rules of communication and availability
- Create a mindset of “fail fast & improve”
3 Boosting Morale, Keeping Team Together and Having Fun
Establish team rituals
- Sharing high’s/low’s since your last meeting to get warmed up
- 15-min “lunch and learn” on any topic, delivered by team members
- Monthly game nights
Recreate office setting
- Organize virtual coffee breaks to re-create the water cooler experience
- Informal channels
- Create informal social channels, such as a WhatsApp group – for non-work related topics and humor
Additional material you may find interesting:
a-connect’s “Running Virtual Workshops” / GoodCompany’s “Guide to virtual meetings” / HBR’s “Managing your newly remote workers” / Google’s “Make home office work for you” / Implement’s facilitation tips & design star framework / Sophaya on virtual team building ideas and tools