#TEAMS365 #1658 – Effective Virtual Conversations Tip #53 – Engagement Tip – Assign Roles

​This week’s Effective Virtual Conversations tip is about “upping the ante” on virtual conversations by assigning roles.  I often talk about the value of breakouts which can be enabled in many virtual platforms. The question of “how many people should go into breakout?’ is a common one. Two, three, or four is usually a good number. If the group size becomes too big, group members may retreat – and the purpose of breakouts is to facilitate more of each person’s voice.

In maximizing the use of breakouts, consider the following:

• Keep group size on the smaller size
• Assign roles – one person may be the note taker, one the facilitator of the conversation and one the time keeper. You may also want to get people to
• Rather than taking a lot of time to have the roles determined, consider something arbitrary like “the person with the longest hair is the note taker” of the “person with the latest birthdate in the year”.
• Provide clear instructions
• Send a “broadcast message to everyone, reminding them of the time frame and instructions
• Leave enough time for people to have the conversation

 
What can you do to boost engagement in your upcoming breakouts?
 
Best wishes,
Jennifer
 

​Jennifer Britton
Potentials Realized | Effective Virtual Conversations |  Coaching Team Leaders  
We provide team and leadership development support through coaching, consulting and training services
Author of Effective Virtual Conversations (2017) 
Email: [email protected]
(416)996-8326