Picture a global initiative aimed at inspiring young people to become entrepreneurs in climate-adaptive technology. The campaign team, made up of members from six continents, is tasked with creating a compelling narrative and outreach strategy. An online meeting is convened to decide on the campaign’s direction. However, as the discussion unfolds, it’s clear that only a few voices dominate the conversation. Some team members, unsure if their ideas will align with the prevailing sentiment, choose to stay silent.
By the end of the meeting, a decision is made, but the roll-out is sluggish. The campaign’s impact is diluted, and some team members feel disconnected, questioning the approach taken.
This scenario highlights a common challenge in international, remote teams. The task isn’t just about making decisions; it’s about ensuring that every team member feels safe to contribute, that their collective wisdom is fully tapped, and that they are committed to implementing the decision. So, how can we facilitate online decision-making differently to ensure commitment afterwards?
Facilitating Online Decision-Making: 5 tips for an inclusive approach
1) Create a safe environment for contributions
Before the meeting, establish a culture of open communication. Use anonymous pre-meeting surveys or brainstorming tools like Google Jamboard, where team members can submit their ideas without fear of judgement. During the meeting, reinforce that all perspectives are valued, particularly in a campaign focused on innovative solutions for climate change. Encourage quieter members to share by inviting them to speak or to write in the chat, and acknowledge each contribution to create a supportive atmosphere.
2) Leverage collaborative tools
Digital tools that support equal participation are crucial. Platforms like Miro or Mural allow the team to collaborate in real-time on virtual whiteboards, making it easier for everyone to contribute visual ideas. Alternatively, polling features in Zoom or Microsoft Teams can anonymously capture opinions, ensuring that a broader range of voices is heard.
Breakout rooms can also foster deeper discussions, giving smaller groups the opportunity to refine ideas before presenting them to the larger group. This can lead to richer, more nuanced strategies for promoting entrepreneurship in climate-adaptive technology.
3) Use structured decision-making techniques
Implement structured decision-making processes like the RACI matrix (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed) to clarify roles and responsibilities.
Techniques like round-robin sharing or the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) can ensure that input is gathered systematically from all team members, reducing the risk of decisions being dominated by the loudest voices.
4) Ensure commitment to implementation
After a decision is reached, it’s vital to ensure alignment and commitment to the next steps. Summarise the decision, outline specific tasks with clear deadlines, and assign roles to ensure everyone knows their responsibilities. Solicit any final concerns or questions to address potential obstacles early on. This final step is crucial for ensuring that the decision isn’t just made but is also fully supported and effectively executed by the team.
Interested to learn more about online facilitation?
In a global campaign promoting entrepreneurship in climate-adaptive technology, successful decision-making requires more than just gathering people online, it demands thoughtful facilitation. By creating a safe space for contributions, leveraging collaborative tools, using structured decision-making techniques, and securing commitment to implementation, you can transform your online meetings into powerful platforms for innovation and action.
If you’re looking to enhance your skills in leading such impactful discussions, we invite you to join our Training & Facilitation Skills course.
Learn how to effectively engage your team, harness collective wisdom, and drive meaningful outcomes in any virtual setting. Together, we can empower teams to create solutions that make a real difference in the world.
