Managing virtual meetings in the C-suite can come with some unexpected obstacles, especially if you are managing a team that isn’t used to working remotely. However, when done properly virtual meetings are an effective way for companies to encourage communication and collaboration. Here are some tips for managing virtual meetings.

Find the Right Platform

First, be sure to find the right platform that suits your needs to host your virtual meeting. Popular platforms include Skype, GoToMeeting, and Zoom. Consider the size of your team, cost, and the functionality that each platform provides. For example, some platforms allow for polls, screensharing, and captions. Depending on the needs of your company, you may choose to have more than one platform at your disposal, or you can find one platform that meets all your requirements.

Test the Technology in Advance

Before the start of each meeting, test all of your technology 15-30 minutes before the start of the meeting. If you have to spend the beginning of a meeting dealing with technical difficulties, your team members will likely feel frustrated and like their time has been wasted. Make sure the team all has the proper software installed and has fully functional microphones. Talk to your employees and make sure they understand how the platform works. You want everyone to feel comfortable with the technology during the meeting.

Provide Your Team with an Agenda

One way to ensure a virtual meeting is effective is to set clear expectations from the beginning. Send each participant a detailed agenda for the meeting. Everyone should know in advance what topics will be discussed and what the objective of the meeting is. This way everyone can come to the meeting prepared with talking points. When you have a set agenda, it becomes easier for team members to participate and the meeting will have more engagement.

Include an Icebreaker

Not everyone is going to be as comfortable in a virtual meeting as they would be in a face-to-face meeting. Using an icebreaker or other social activity can help ease people into the meeting’s agenda. In addition, many people are feeling alienated right now. Allowing a short period of time for some basic social interaction can help employees feel more connected.

Virtual meetings are becoming more and more common in the field of C-suite support. While it takes time to adjust to virtual meetings, communication and preparation can make a big difference. Setting clear expectations, making sure everyone is on the same page with technology, and encouraging social engagement can help virtual meetings run smoothly.

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With the recent historic Supreme Court ruling that protects LGBTQ members in the workplace, many companies are reexamining LGBTQ inclusivity. Many strides have been made in recent years in improving the experience of LGBTQ individuals employed in C-level support, but there is still more work that needs to be done to create an environment where everyone feels safe and accepted. Below are some ways you can increase LGBTQ inclusivity in the workplace.

Remove Bias from Hiring Practices

Even the most open-minded employers often have unconscious biases. If you can make sure the language you use in job descriptions, interview questions, etc. are neutral in regard to sexual orientation, you will not only attract more LGBTQ candidates, you will make your employees feel more accepted as well. It is also a good idea to highlight inclusivity as a value in your mission statement and throughout your hiring process.

Take a Serious Approach to LGBTQ Discrimination

You should issue a clear anti-discrimination policy for sexual orientation and gender identity. This policy should address hiring practices, promotion practices, and the day-to-day work experience. The policy should also communicate that bullying based on orientation is unacceptable and detail the repercussions for LGBTQ harassment and discrimination. Employees in the LGBTQ community need to know that they have the support of management behind them and that the company wants them to feel safe and accepted.

Consider the LGBTQ Community in Developing Benefits

Company benefits often unintentionally exclude LGBTQ. As a company, make sure that members of the LGBTQ community have the same rights as other employees, including parental leave and adoption leave. As with job descriptions, the language used in talking about benefits should be neutral in terms of both gender and orientation.

It is important to create a work environment where everyone feels valued and equal. Fair hiring practices, LGBTQ safe spaces, and a clear anti-discrimination stance can help everyone on your team to feel welcomed.

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The events of the year have shone a light on the importance of remote work. As we move forward, remote work has the potential to increase diversity in the C-suite. What companies need now more than ever are talented teams that have the ability to swiftly adapt to changes. Below we’ll explore how remote work is improving diversity.

Significance of Remote Work

In the aftermath of COVID-19, remote work is likely to gain in prominence. More companies now have the technology, resources, and policies necessary to support remote work as part of their culture. Companies have also had the opportunity to experience firsthand some of the advantages of remote work, such as improved flexibility, work-life balance, and access to a larger talent pool.

Remote Work and Diversity

One of the best aspects of remote jobs is they can be performed anywhere. As a company, having the infrastructure to support remote work gives you the opportunity to hire better talent because you are no longer limited by geographic restrictions. You have access to a more diverse candidate pool in terms of gender, age, ethnicity, and ability. There are also talented individuals out there who struggle in an office setting but excel in a remote environment.

At the end of the day, your company needs the best talent possible on its team. Having a compatible, high-performing team allows your company to grow. In the realm of the C-suite, this is even more important. When you have the ability to hire employees from anywhere in the world, it is easier to recruit a team that has the right balance of skills and personalities.

Benefits of Diversity in the Workplace

Diversity and inclusion in the workplace come with proven benefits. When your team members have a wide variety of experiences, they can approach problems from many different angles. Diversity on a team improves creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. Diversity also allows for increased flexibility. Teams can adapt to changes and challenges more readily when they have a wider range of skills and backgrounds. Diversity also helps contribute to a company culture that encourages people to feel accepted for their differences.

The pandemic has forced many companies to switch to working remotely. While this has caused some confusion, it also presents an opportunity for businesses to double down on their inclusivity initiatives and to continue to build teams that have diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

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