Online Meeting Platforms vs. In Person

COVID-19 has forced many businesses to temporarily close and forced thousands of people to work from home. And here began some of the great challenges that the new corona-virus posed to companies. Since then, routines and work processes have been changed, for example, the way we work and communicate with clients and colleagues. Video-conferencing platforms have therefore gained a major role in this process.

Whether for personal or professional use, with the rise of remote working and mass digitization, it is almost unthinkable not to use online meeting software. Online meeting software allows you to easily organize conferences or video meetings over the internet.

These programs can not only be used to hold meetings between friends or family, but they are also very important in the professional environment. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the rise of remote work, they have become indispensable tools for all companies.

The beginning of the online meeting was, unfortunately, quite dark: it was the Nazis who developed the first video-conferencing tool connecting Berlin and Leipzig, in 1936.

But the idea itself was not new. Many scientists, including the American Alexander Graham Bell (inventor of the telephone), had already conceived the technology at the end of the 19th century.

After the war and the failure of the Nazi project, the technology developed more and more: we see, for example, a demonstration of this at the Brussels Universal Exhibition in 1958. But organizing online video meetings was still complicated and expensive.

It was only with the advent of the Internet, the webcam and above all Skype that videoconferencing became truly democratized, in the early 2000s.

Currently, this technology is an intense part of our routine. It is used to talk to friends, hold professional meetings, participate in or organize webinars, make medical appointments and much more.

The best free video conferencing software platforms in 2023 should allow users to connect with others across the world in real-time. These platforms will enable high-quality video and audio connections and various collaboration tools to make online meetings more productive.

Main platforms used:

Skype:

Skype is one of the best-known tools in the world. This Microsoft platform has video conferencing, file transfer and text messaging features. As it allows you to communicate with up to 50 people at the same time, it is perfect for small or medium-sized companies. You have the possibility of sending files, having a real-time translation (with Skype translator) and sharing your screen to make PowerPoint presentations.

Microsoft Teams:

Microsoft's Teams, gaining enormous relevance during the COVID 19 pandemic, but continues to gain users. In the free version, this video conferencing platform allows us to communicate with teams of up to 10,000 people, invite clients to participate, attach files of up to 2 GB, share the screen and even place personalized backgrounds behind our own image. At the same time, it makes it easier for several people to work simultaneously, editing, for example, an Office document shared on the web version.

Google Hangouts:

Google Hangouts is the free version of Hangouts Meet, with limited functionality. It is available alongside Gmail and allows you to exchange messages, share files and hold video conferences with your Google contacts. It's a simple tool to quickly communicate between teams.
The paid version, which was made available for free until July 1, 2020, allows you to integrate all of Google's features into a single tool with greater security. GSuite allows you to contact all team members via Gmail, Hangouts Chat or Hangouts Meet. Furthermore, it is also possible to manage all users and data securely and easily, with the Administrator, Vault, Mobile Devices and Work Insights tools.

Zoom:

In times of pandemic, the first video conferencing platform to stand out was Zoom. It came into the spotlight when teleworking became an obligation, and thousands of companies began to hold meetings using this tool. The main advantages lie in the ease with which you can organize unlimited individual meetings and hold a video conference with up to 100 people, although limited to 40 minutes in the free version.

Webex:

Webex Meetings is a video conferencing service from Cisco and, along with Teams and GSuite, it is also now available for free in all countries. In the free version, Webex allows up to ten participants to use, without restrictions, features such as video conferencing, content sharing, online presentations and creation of interactive polls.

For those who were already using this video conferencing platform, there are also changes introduced in this phase of COVID-19: older customers were now able to add users beyond the contracted number, at no cost until July 1, 2020.

Some aspects of remote leadership:

• Communicate regularly.
• Communication is crucial in any team, but even more important in remote teams. Make sure your team knows what you expect of them and provide regular feedback. Communication must be clear and direct, but it must also be adapted to the communication style of each team member. Find the right balance between keeping your team informed and not overwhelming them with too much information.
• Use the right tools - there are many tools available for remote teams, from video conferencing tools to collaboration software. Make sure you choose the tools that work best for your team and allow everyone to stay connected and productive. Make sure all team members know how to use these tools and provide additional training if necessary.
• Create an environment of trust - in a remote team, it is important to establish trust between team members and between the leader and the team. Make sure each team member knows they can count on you to support them and resolve issues. Make sure team members know it's safe to ask for help and admit mistakes. This will allow the team to feel more comfortable working together and will increase overall productivity.
• Set clear measurable goals - goals are important on any team, but even more important on remote teams. Goals should be clear and measurable so that all team members can work together to achieve them. Goals must also be realistic and achievable, so that the team does not feel overwhelmed or unmotivated.
• Manage time effectively - time management is crucial in remote teams, where the temptation to work disproportionate hours is great. Make sure your team is working hours that work for them and the company. Encourage regular breaks and try to establish a work-life balance.

Leading a remote team can be challenging, but it can also be a rewarding and effective experience. Regular communication, using appropriate tools, establishing trust, setting clear goals, and effective time management are key to successfully leading a remote team.
 
With these practices in mind, you can lead your remote team to achieve their goals and increase productivity. Remember that remote leadership is not just about management, but also about creating a collaborative and supportive environment for your employees.

Furthermore, remote leadership doesn't just have to be about managing daily tasks. It's also important to develop personal relationships with your coworkers. Find time for informal conversations, ask about their personal lives, and show interest in their hobbies and passions. This will help build trust and connection between you and your team.

Finally, remember that remote leadership is an ongoing learning process. Be open to feedback and suggestions from your team and be willing to adapt and change your approach as necessary. With effective remote leadership practices, you can build a united, productive, and successful team.