Imagine watching a game show without a host. How would contestants behave? What would happen to audience engagement? And, how likely would viewers be to tune in again?
The work from anywhere[1] shift means, to some degree, we're all broadcasters now. Producing and delivering content from our home offices rather than studio offices. And, yet, what many organizations overlook is what successful game show producers have known all along: a show without a skilled host is a perpetual game of "Press Your Luck."
Instead of relegating the success or failure of your customer events, brainstorming sessions, and team meetings to chance, invest in the one superstar every organization operating virtually needs now. A skilled moderator.
A skilled moderator is a very important role for virtual team meetings. The ability to orchestrate an engaging conversation with multiple participants requires planning, active listening, consensus building, conflict resolution, and the ability to shape the conversation towards defining the next steps, actions, owners, and timetable of deliverables.
Like great game show hosts (and dinner hosts, for that matter), great meeting moderators make the role look easy. They break down barriers between participants and viewers, allow everyone to experience a range of emotions together authentically, and guide the journey to a shared outcome. Delivering effortless experiences, ironically, requires significant effort.
The best moderators are naturally curious. excited about the process of discovery, flexible, and engage without bias. And, above all, they do their homework in advance. Offer individuals on your team a chance to try out for this starring role on a rotating basis. And discover breakthroughs in collaboration, effectiveness, and outcomes as a result.
The good news is you don't have to be a Hollywood superstar to make a name for yourself as an effective meeting moderator