Running Virtual Meetings (HBR 20-Minute Manager Series)

Manage the Technology

Choosing video, phone, or chat is just the beginning. How can you determine whether your internet connection is actually up to hosting real-time file sharing between 14 people? Can you position your webcam so that people aren’t distracted by the stacks of messy paper on the bookshelf behind you?

Even with something as basic as your meeting platform, much effort goes into making technology truly functional. Indeed, you probably rely on several other devices in addition to your main communication tool, from the tablet you use to view a PDF mid-chat to the Google Docs file you’ve created to capture real-time notes.

To make all this work, you’ll identify which tools you need, practice ahead of time, and prepare for the inevitable ...