If you can read the room, you can read the zoom

No matter how familiar we are with technology, we all have our preferences.

Zoom or Skype. Trello or Asana. Slack or Google hangouts.

And hundreds of alternatives, many free.

We get used to something. Then just when you get used to it, it changes. It’s tiring and even distressing. A software update on your phone overnight can make you feel like you’re back in kindergarten. Old favourites get new looks and buttons.

One of the best questions I ever learned to ask in film studies was, “what does this button do?”. It still serves me well today.  

Asking that question – a lot - shifted me from a nervous school leaver to someone willing to have a go. No mean feat at 18 when surrounded by groovy, smart and ambitious filmmakers.  

It made me bolder. To be more curious. And not be afraid to ask. Handy for backpacking in remote places, photography and facilitation.

A question needs an answer and there was only one tutor who stood out. She responded with patience and generosity. She explained things, took you through the steps herself. She didn’t just point you to the manual or a website.

She had empathy, communicated clearly and put herself in our shoes. She didn’t assume that we could make the link between one step and the next. She didn’t tell us to ‘start the car’. She told us to move the gear in neutral, to put the key into the ignition, how far to turn the key and whether you need to gently coax the engine with the accelerator*. 

No assumptions that you could make the link between one step and the next. 

I remember her patience when I facilitate groups online. Not everyone is in familiar territory. Some are stumped by the number of buttons on their dashboard. 

I explain what I’m doing as I go. I tell them what will happen when they get into their break out room. That they’ll get messages from me and not to be surprised if I ‘pop in’ to join them. I use imperatives, short phrases and clear language. A maximum of three instructions for any activity. And repeat.

Such patience is needed when facilitating a room or a zoom. Despite all the buttons, hacks and tricks, I believe that we need the same skills to read a ‘zoom’ as to read a room.

Empathy. Curiosity. Compassion. Patience. Clear communication. 

The ability to not just look, but to notice. And to respond. Drop your plan, adapt to the group. We observe to serve in the zoom, just as much as in the room. 

If we can read the room, or the zoom, people feel heard and understood. We are trusted. Engagement is high and conversations are productive. We get outcomes to make a decision, create a great place, improve a program or deliver a service.   

What’s the best question that you ever learned?

Do you think reading the room is different from reading the zoom? I’d love to know – comment below.

*I learned to drive in the early 1980s and my first car was a 1970 VW beetle. Most cars don’t have keys nowadays, but you get the picture.

Need a creative break? Give this week’s #Facilitography exercise a go. 

Text or call a few friends or colleagues and get them to join in. Here are your instructions:

📷 Take a close up of the buttons, dials and switches on something in your place.

📷 Share it in a What’s App group with your friends.

📷 Have a chat about your photos. 

Guess what’s in each other’s photos. Do you know what all the buttons are for? Could you show someone how to use this appliance or machine? How would you instruct them over the phone? 

If you need a little energy, creativity or connection at the moment, please get in touch - now or whenever you're ready. Three gifts below.

🎁 Creativity: 10-minute photo shoots for teams, groups and communities. See another side of each other and get better at looking, even if you can't leave the house. Say CREATIVE below and I’ll send you the details.

🎁 Energy: Spark your Thinking – 5 x 20 min spots available in April. No charge. Say ENERGY below and I'll get back to you.

🎁 Connection: Who’s Zooming who? Connect with me and others in an informal catch up – every Wednesday at 4pm. A chance to connect with people outside of your team, organisation and network. Say CONNECT below and I’ll send you an invite.

Photo (bottom left) Gabriel Benois on Unsplash, (top right) Zoom call image of a session facilitated by Johnnie Moore.