How can you create a virtual team workshop that is accessible to all team members?

1 1. Define your purpose and goals

Before you plan any details of your virtual workshop, you need to have a clear purpose and goals for it. What are you trying to achieve with your team? What are the main challenges or opportunities you want to address? How will the workshop help your team improve their performance or satisfaction? Having a clear purpose and goals will help you design a workshop that is relevant, meaningful, and aligned with your team's needs and expectations.

2 2. Choose the right platform and tools

The next step is to choose the right platform and tools for your virtual workshop. You want to make sure that your team members can access the workshop easily and securely, and that they have the features and functions they need to participate effectively. For example, you might want to use a video conferencing platform that allows you to share your screen, use breakout rooms, record the session, and chat with your team. You might also want to use some online tools that enable you to create polls, surveys, quizzes, whiteboards, or other interactive elements. You should also test your platform and tools before the workshop to avoid any technical issues or glitches.

4 4. Communicate and prepare your team

The fourth step is to communicate and prepare your team for your virtual workshop. You want to make sure that your team members know what to expect from the workshop, why it is important, and how they can contribute. You should also provide them with any information, instructions, or materials they need to join and participate in the workshop. For example, you might want to send them an email with the agenda, the platform and tools links, the ground rules, and the pre-work assignments. You might also want to check in with them individually or in groups before the workshop to address any questions, concerns, or suggestions they might have.

5 5. Facilitate and moderate your workshop

The fifth step is to facilitate and moderate your workshop. You want to create a positive and productive atmosphere for your team, and guide them through the agenda and activities. You should also monitor and manage the participation, interaction, and feedback of your team members, and ensure that everyone has a chance to speak, listen, and learn. For example, you might want to use icebreakers, energizers, or check-ins to warm up your team, and use polls, questions, or comments to keep them engaged and involved. You might also want to use breakout rooms, chat, or whiteboards to encourage collaboration and creativity. You should also be prepared to deal with any issues, conflicts, or distractions that might arise during the workshop, and adjust your plan accordingly.

6 6. Evaluate and follow up your workshop

The last step is to evaluate and follow up your workshop. You want to measure the impact and outcomes of your workshop, and collect feedback and suggestions from your team members. You should also provide them with any resources, support, or recognition they need to apply what they learned or decided in the workshop. For example, you might want to use surveys, interviews, or observations to assess the effectiveness and satisfaction of your workshop, and identify any areas for improvement or celebration. You might also want to send them a summary, a recording, or an action plan of the workshop, and schedule a follow-up meeting or session to review the progress and results.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?