Page 94 - SAMENA Trends - April-May 2021

ARTICLE SAMENA TRENDS

We see the same pattern repeat itself with simply search the transcripts and find If we look at the positive
video conferencing. The only difference is the answer in seconds.
that the pandemic accelerated the video • Noise from espresso machines, lawn contributions of virtual
evolution and made it a revolution. Virtual mowers or construction can be a meetings beyond the
meetings are here to stay – but how? nuisance anywhere. In a meeting room
it might help to close the window, but pandemic, the list is longer
A true alternative? that’s pretty much all you can do. If than perhaps most people
Virtual meetings must improve to become participants join remotely, everybody think: including savings on
a true and credible alternative to face- can turn on noise suppression, which
to-face meetings. At Cisco, we have the filters out distracting sounds and travel, efficiency through
ambition to make our Webex collaboration enhances human voice. remote work and inclusive-
platform 10x better than face-to-face These are examples of Cisco Webex
meetings. This might sound like an providing a better experience. And ness for individuals.
arbitrary and unattainable goal, but let me with a credible alternative to face-to-
illustrate through two examples on why, in face meetings, it will encourage a more • No two people are the same (we knew
fact, it isn’t: conscious choice each time you set up a that), and that’s why one size doesn’t
• When you meet over Webex, with meeting. The technical solutions already fit all. As business leaders we must be
participants who speak different support this, and with the pandemic fully aware of this when we lead our
languages, you have the option to accelerating the acceptance of the virtual teams and organisations.
use real time translation. And if you alternative, I believe we will see this choice • Before the pandemic, many didn’t have
can’t remember whether you agreed play out even when we return to the office. a choice and had to go to the office.
to a sales increase of 12% or 14%, you COVID-19 stripped office workers of
choices and forced us home. We don’t
want to go back to no options – we
want choice!

As the future of work opens more choices,
it’s critical that leaders don’t just transfer
their office leadership practices to a new
hybrid reality.

If we look at the positive contributions of
virtual meetings beyond the pandemic, the
list is longer than perhaps most people
think: including savings on travel, efficiency
through remote work and inclusiveness for
individuals.

It is, however, important to note that virtual
conferences will not replace face-to-
As the future of work Pros & cons face meetings entirely. They will enhance
opens more choices, it’s In the public debate, you often see tech and improve human interaction as the
technology and our use of it matures.
critical that leaders don’t companies as proponents of remote Part of this process requires leaders to
work and mental health experts warning
just transfer their office about the impact on employees. I believe re-think their approach to leadership
leadership practices to a there are good points on both sides, and and acknowledge that we are all, in fact,
different. We, therefore, deserve choice and
if anything, the pandemic taught me these
new hybrid reality. two things: versatility.

94 APRIL-MAY 2021