Meeting face-to-face is very important. However, the preferences for and effectiveness of meetings are evolving within the online virtual meeting space platforms. As people start to get used to those virtual environments, which are becoming closer to the experience of physical meetings, then their collective preferences will continue to adapt.
Virtual meetings have gained momentum and are now entrenched in everyday interactions. They continue to be enhanced by technological advances, making all manner of meetings, locally and globally, quick, easy and efficient. Yet many argue that the absence of human connection disconnects and can create interpersonal barriers or unneeded friction. For instance, when it comes to business mentoring and business coaching services that must be personal and confidential, face-to-face meetings are often the best approach.
The Rise of Virtual Meetings
Virtual meetings have significantly changed the way organisations do business. In a wide range of organisations and businesses, there is no doubt that virtual meetings, where participants are at a distance from each other, are a valuable way to communicate. The technology can bring together people from around the globe in an effective visual and audio environment. Virtual meetings are cost-effective, immediate, do not require costly and time-consuming travel, and have a positive environmental impact. Avoidable air travel is a point of growing contention, so individuals and organisations wishing to help reduce climate change will wish to leave the smallest environmental footprints. Embracing more virtual meetings should help with this global issue.
However, there are some downside risks to using virtual meetings. For example, security is a constant challenge. When highly confidential commercial information is exchanged,there exists a risk of potential hacking or eavesdropping on meetings. Also, interpersonal relationships tend to be better fostered or enhanced with physical interaction, which suggests augmenting virtual meetings with some physical meetingsmight be beneficial.
Which is Best for Business Coaching?
Business people should be matched with a suitable business mentor or business coach who resides close enough for personal contact in regular mentoring meetings. Personal connection in this space is very important, as it helps to develop the working relationship and trust, which in turn enables confidential meetings to be fluid.
However, sometimes the preferred physical mentoring meetings are just not possible.The focus should then be on getting the mentoring relationship established by providing the best matched business mentor or business coach possible, who will work to establish the human connection between themselves and the mentee. What driveseveryone in close relationships is their shared experiences, trust and working together to make progress, which in turn has a powerful impact on the shared relationship itself.
What About Conferences?
International conferences are an area where virtual meetingscan be beneficial for a wide range of industries and businesses. The preference for conferences is still the personal connection to attend and to interact with presenters and other participants. However, virtual attendance is possible if distance is a problem, reducing the cost to participants. Conferences provide a platform for sharing ideas, peer-to-peer feedback, collaborations and setting agendas. The conference venues employ a vast number of people and inject funds into the host economy. They provide a forum for leaders with drive and vision which can shape their industries and provide a forecast for the future.
Conclusion
Ultimately, business mentoring and business coaching are best performed in a physical face-to-face settingthat’s more confidential.However, virtual meetings can be useful when necessary as long as more care is taken toensure the optimal relationship grows.
