“Let’s have a group therapy meeting” is a phrase I hear quite frequently from business students being in a teasing mode but are they actually? Group lessons in the form of meetings reflect the actual business world which in order to be successful needs people who can deal with their colleagues in a professional fashion.
But why do they call it “group therapy” and what are the benefits or the impact on each other’s business psychology? Being part of a team is definitely a key factor. It increases the sense that “we’re all in this together,” and normalizes the anxiety or pressure created by working conditions and even more the psychological barrier in expressing oneself in proper English at the workplace. Adults immersing into business courses feel intimidated about their performance but the amount of pressure is significantly reduced when synergies take place. Combined “power” always does miracles and functions as a safety net.
Being part of a “group therapy” mirrors the fast-paced business reality. Students are required to exercise their interpersonal skills by making presentations, participating in meetings, involved in negotiations. The sharing of ideas, role playing and case study scenarios being solved help students gain confidence and practice their everyday reality in a controlled in some cases and in a more creative environment in some other cases. Not only do students learn valuable language skills, but they also develop an understanding of how to work in complicated business environment.
Group meetings provide the opportunity to see just how your colleagues relate to others in the moment, and how they relate to themselves. Some examples are : Do you typically hang back until someone invites you to speak? Or do you take the lead? Do you only share positive information about yourself or things you’re struggling with? What parts of yourself as a professional do you let others see? What parts of yourself do you hide? How do you handle conflict? How do you get your wants, needs and ideas met? Being a part of a group helps professionals get unstuck from situations of feeling intimidated and gives them a fantastic boost to perform and practice their communication skills which will later project to their reality.
And let’s not forget the “fun” factor unleashing emotions related to relaxation, comfort, entertainment. Group lessons at the workplace is the opportunity for professionals to break away from the strain of daily business and enjoy themselves with the company of other colleagues. I’ve heard some of the best jokes in the conference room where students are just themselves. And they need that; they need humour, laughter and fun shared with people in a genuine environment.
In the Covid-19 era, group lessons as we traditionally know it feels like a joke. Businesses, conference rooms and offices are in a lockdown. But group meetings can happen and not only happen but also thrive. And here come the answers for the question: “ Why videoconferencing?”
In terms of accomplishing higher levels of collaboration, video conferencing is a game changer and should be the “default setting”. Participants can see and can be seen so this makes over the entire feel and etiquette of the group meeting. The fact that participants maintain “virtual eye contact” keeps them more engaged and close and definitely less apt to tune out or multitask. Team members or clients form closer relationships despite not meeting in person. Productivity is increased as members are more in sync.
Testimony: “ It doesn’t feel like meeting a stranger”. Visualisation is powerful!
Efficiency. Another key word for videoconferencing. Commuting can always be a challenge especially after work when congestion is heavy and group members are almost always geographically dispersed. Since we are talking about geography, the borders are totally seamless for counterparts working not only in different areas but also in different cities or countries! Driving for hours wouldn’t make much sense in these cases. On the other hand mobility offered by cloud-based conferencing contributes to efficiency.
Testimony: “It is like being in the same room sharing the same ambience.”
Videoconferencing is the closest thing to working in person. And because of the absence of facial expressions and body language during face-to-face meetings interlocutors are urged to focus more on visual and audio communication which makes their receptive skills more superior and more concentrated. Emotion and knowledge is transferred though voice and images. Hence, participants need to recall and memorise objects, numerals and ideas without getting hints from the physical presence or gestures.
Testimony: “Visual and audio recognition memory performance is reinforced.”
The bottom line is that videoconferencing gets the job done without eliminating human interaction and social status. It can even “beat” the pandemic which obstructs social nearing and its consequences.
Let’s get practical now! Next time you need to join a videoconference you can use some of these phrases in mind to get you going or to pull it through.
Before the video call starts:
Are we all on?’ (Checking if everyone has joined the conversation)
‘Can everybody hear me?’
‘Did everybody get the agenda?’
‘Let’s keep this short.’
‘We’ll just wait a few minutes.’
‘Sorry I’m / we’re late.’
During the call
Asking for clarification
Could you speak more slowly please?’
‘I’m afraid I didn’t get that’
‘I don’t follow you’
‘Could you explain that in another way?’
‘I’m sorry, I don’t understand the word … What does it mean?’
‘Could you repeat that?’
‘[your name] speaking. Can you repeat / that?
‘[your name] speaking. Can we take a break?’
Jumping into a conversation
Sorry, before we move on, there’s something I’d like to add.
Can I just suggest one more idea here?
Tom, there’s just one more thing before we finish up.
Can I just /jump in here?” “Can I add something quickly?”
Apologising for technical difficulties
My apologies but I’m having trouble with the mic.
I’m sorry everyone, but I can’t really hear. Working on a fix.
Sorry, you’re going to have to excuse me while I try reconnecting.
Looks like I can’t upload anything… my apologies, I’ll just need a minute
Returning to an earlier topic
I have a question about something Efi mentioned a few minutes ago.
Can I connect back to an earlier comment about the website?
Someone mentioned the design, and I’d like to address that again.
Efi , you brought up something earlier that I just want to add to.
After the call
Wrap it up by giving some feedback
You can always record the conversation to make sure you haven’t missed anything.
Tips
• Keep in mind the eye contact and facial expressions.
• Use polite modal verb: Could, Can, May etc.
• Address everyone by their first or last name. It builds on your confidence.
• Have in mind fillers: Uh”, “Right”, “Uh-huh”, “Um”, “Like”, and “You know
• Focus on your know-how contributing to the topic.
Inspired by psychcentral.com and personal material.