“Is virtual as good as live?”
offer that help. No participant is left behind! “But can virtual accomplish team-building like a live event?” YES! Admittedly, it’s a little different: After the class, there are no drinks at the bar or group dinners. However, the shared experience is just as powerful virtually as it is live. In fact, training virtually allows broader teams to gather, get to know each other, and work together in different ways. Oftentimes, our live audiences come from the same regions or work in the same locations, so their exposure to others within their organization is frequently limited by geography. Working virtually breaks down such limitations, allowing people from coast to coast to work together without having to jump on a plane to do it. “Can people really stare at a computer screen for that long?” YES! Think about how much we stared at our computer screens before the world went virtual. According to a Nielsen study, in 2019 adults spent more than 12 hours a day staring at a screen (TV, computer, tablet, etc.). I’m sure that’s increased significantly during the pandemic. Suffice it to say, people are not having any issues spending six or so hours a day training with us. But there’s more! We schedule lots of breaks, so that people can rest their eyes and stretch their legs. In the end, virtual participants don’t report any issues in terms of staying engaged, participating, or learning during these sessions. What are the biggest differences between live and virtual? Lots . . . I could go on and on about this topic, but let me highlight three of the greatest advantages I’ve seen with virtual . . .
1. Total cost of training (TCOT) is much lower for virtual compared to live. Some clients who flew their teams to a central location for a live training would spend almost the same amount of money on travel and expenses that they would on the course itself. Our clients are seeing a 15% to 50% reduction in TCOT by going virtual. 2. Everyone has a voice. Unexpectedly, we’re finding that the virtual medium allows for all voices to be heard. No longer are the big, more extroverted personalities overshadowing the quieter, more introverted personalities. The virtual medium creates a more level playing field, so everyone feels comfortable to contribute and participate. 3. For many, virtual is more like their reality. We were already seeing a trend toward fewer negotiations happening face to face. With the pandemic and a more general shift to virtual workforces, negotiations are increasingly taking place virtually. Therefore, the virtual course emulates what people are experiencing in real life — virtual negotiations. It also means we can re-create scenarios that participants are dealing with every day, in order to help them better succeed. Someday, live events will return. When they do, I believe that even they will be different. But one thing is certain: Virtual events will not be going away when the pandemic comes to an end. Moving forward, many organizations will opt for virtual as their primary medium for skills development. As for the question, “Is virtual as good as live?” The answer is YES!
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