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Last updated on Sep 26, 2024
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  3. Virtual Teams

Struggling to make all team members feel heard in virtual meetings?

To foster inclusivity in virtual meetings, it's vital to create an environment where all team members feel comfortable speaking up. Here are some strategies to achieve this:

- Assign a moderator who ensures each member has a chance to contribute.

- Use round-robin or structured sharing techniques to give everyone a turn.

- Implement tools like polls or chat functions for quieter members to share their thoughts.

How do you make sure all voices are heard in your virtual meetings?

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Virtual Teams

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Last updated on Sep 26, 2024
  1. All
  2. Business Administration
  3. Virtual Teams

Struggling to make all team members feel heard in virtual meetings?

To foster inclusivity in virtual meetings, it's vital to create an environment where all team members feel comfortable speaking up. Here are some strategies to achieve this:

- Assign a moderator who ensures each member has a chance to contribute.

- Use round-robin or structured sharing techniques to give everyone a turn.

- Implement tools like polls or chat functions for quieter members to share their thoughts.

How do you make sure all voices are heard in your virtual meetings?

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Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)
45 answers
  • Contributor profile photo
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    Miriam Njeri

    "Digital Customer Service Expert | Passionate about Sustainability & Environmental Advocacy | Empowering Customers & Driving Positive Change"

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    In such a case where we have virtual meetings I would use the below methods to ensure everyone feels heard and opinions are valued. 1.I would ensure that I allocate time for each person to speak. 2. I would encourage members to use “raise hand” tool Incase they have an opinion to raise or clarification. 3. Actively ask quieter members for their input.what they think? Do they agree or have a suggestion. This would encourage them to speak 4. Utilize chat functions for those hesitant to speak or not comfortable speaking. And allocate time to read through the chatbox. 5.Create a safe, inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable. 6. Follow up individually with team members after meetings to ensure their voices are heard.

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    Veronica Pesce

    Translator 🇬🇧 🇫🇷 to 🇮🇹 and proofreader. Blogger Meraviglieuropa.com Contributor lundici.it

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    To help quieter team members speak up, make sure they feel safe and valued. Some may be shy, afraid of criticism, or worried their views will clash with others. Give them time to share and invite them to speak without pressure. Show appreciation for their input to boost confidence. If past experiences, like being ignored or dealing with toxic colleagues, make them hesitant, address those issues to create a respectful space. When everyone feels heard and respected, they’ll be more comfortable sharing their thoughts, leading to better teamwork and discussions. You might use round robin to encourage participation, but keep it flexible—forcing input can slow discussions and frustrate introverts, who may prefer to contribute naturally.

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    Luiz Carlos Pinter

    Diretor Comercial | Novos Negócios | Inovação | Marketing | Expansão | Planejamento Estratégico | Conselheiro Consultivo

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    Para garantir que todas as vozes sejam ouvidas em reuniões virtuais, é essencial adotar uma abordagem estratégica e inclusiva. A moderação ativa ajuda a equilibrar a participação, estimulando a contribuição de todos. Técnicas estruturadas, como o round-robin e brainstorming organizado, asseguram que ideias sejam compartilhadas de forma equitativa. O uso de ferramentas digitais, como enquetes, chats e quadros virtuais, permite maior interação e diversidade de expressão. Criar uma cultura de inclusão, promovendo respeito e escuta ativa, fortalece o engajamento, enquanto um processo contínuo de feedback e melhoria aprimora futuras reuniões. Com esses elementos, as reuniões virtuais tornam-se mais produtivas, colaborativas e eficientes.

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    Profº Silas Serpa, PhD
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    Excelente ponto! Eu costumo dizer que reunião virtual não pode ser monólogo com plateia invisível. 😅 Por aqui, além das estratégias que você mencionou, gosto muito da abordagem do “check-in rápido” no começo das reuniões. Cada pessoa compartilha brevemente como está chegando (uma palavra ou frase curta). Isso quebra o gelo e já deixa todo mundo com o "microfone ligado". Outra técnica que funciona muito bem é reservar os últimos minutos para perguntas abertas, encorajando diretamente as pessoas mais discretas: "Maria, você quer complementar algo?" O segredo está em transformar reunião em conversa real, não palestra disfarçada. Mais alguém aqui tem dicas práticas para garantir que todos participem?

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    Frederico Gobbi

    Coordenador de Treinamento | Consultor de Treinamento | Palestrante | Instrutor | Desenvolvimento de Pessoal | Educação Corporativa | Hard Skill & Soft Skill | T&D | PCD

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    Sim, é um desafio, mas com algumas estratégias simples, posso garantir que todos se sintam ouvidos. Eu poderia, por exemplo, criar um espaço onde cada pessoa tenha um tempo designado para falar, independentemente de sua posição na empresa. Durante a reunião, eu resumiria pontos de discussão de forma clara e com ritmo, como: "João, adorei sua ideia sobre a campanha de marketing; talvez possamos alinhá-la com o calendário de vendas. Maria, você mencionou um problema no sistema — você pode expandir brevemente? Depois disso, vamos ouvir as sugestões do Luiz." Agindo assim, eu incentivo todos a participarem e mostro que suas contribuições são valorizadas. O segredo está em facilitar a conversa com naturalidade e atenção.

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    Michelle Currier SHRM-CP, CDM

    Dynamic, vision-driven people leader with an extensive background in Hospitality, Operations and Human Resource. Always People First and how I can support their success!

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    I feel its important to set ground rules/expectations ahead of time. For success of all, with large groups add that the raise hand feature and chat should be utilized to assure everyone is heard and has an opportunity to share. I also do a round robin when discussing or sharing to assure everyone has an opportunity to share.

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    Siera Vernice

    Business Coach | Helping small business owners thrive in their business with strategic planning and effective professional development

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    Sometimes, the quietest voices have the best ideas. Using round-robin discussions or anonymous feedback tools can help bring out great insights. Inclusion isn’t just about speaking—it’s about making sure people feel safe to share.

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    Vincent Rossin

    Senior Consultant & Industrial Project Manager - Open to permanent contract and freelance opportunities

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    Pour que chaque voix soit entendue en réunion virtuelle : • j'envoie l'ordre du jour à l'avance avec appel à contributions, • je commence par un tour de table rapide pour recueillir les premières idées, • j'utilise des outils collaboratifs (sondages, tableaux virtuels) pour les participations simultanées, • je pose des questions directes aux personnes plus réservées, • je limite le temps de parole des membres dominants, • j'alterne discussions plénières et petits groupes, • je conclus par un moment où chacun peut ajouter une réflexion finale. Ces pratiques créent un environnement où tous les membres peuvent contribuer significativement, quels que soient leurs profils.

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    Adit Agrawal

    President and CEO at Natty Hatty, inc.

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    If you're struggling to make all team members feel heard in virtual meetings, start by setting clear expectations for participation and using structured turn-taking to ensure everyone has a chance to speak. Utilize features like hand-raising, polls, and breakout rooms to encourage engagement. Actively invite quieter members to share their thoughts and acknowledge contributions to create an inclusive environment. Additionally, follow up with team members individually to gather feedback and ensure their voices are considered in decision-making.

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    Matt Gillis

    Executive Leader | I Help Business Owners & Organizations Streamline Operations, Maximize Financial Performance, and Develop Stronger Leaders So They Can Achieve Sustainable Growth

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    It’s common to face challenges in making all team members feel heard in virtual meetings, but with a few strategies, you can create a more inclusive environment. Start by setting clear expectations—encourage everyone to speak up and share their ideas. For example, ask each participant to answer a question or give feedback during specific parts of the meeting. Use video calls instead of audio-only to engage everyone visually. Encourage open dialogue by actively calling on quieter members to share their thoughts. Lastly, consider using chat features for real-time feedback, allowing those who are less comfortable speaking to contribute without interrupting the flow.

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