Why Copresenting Webinars Helps Your Team and You Need to Make it Happen

Webmeetings and "webinars" are a fact of life for most of us today. Most of us use them simply as tools for conveying information or delivering training. Truth is, they can be good team-building and individual development opportunities as well. The secret is delegating wisely and with purpose, not just because you can't be bothered or don't have time.

Teams work best when everyone knows everyone else's strengths and capabilities. Additionally, everyone on the team should know how to use the tools at their disposal to the best possible effect. By co-presenting you get to help your people showcase their knowledge and competence as well as reap some unexpected benefits.

• You get some "alone time" with the individuals. Working together to prepare and rehearse (you do prepare and rehearse, right?) your webinar or presentation allows you the ability to talk about other things as well. Get to know your copresenter a bit more. Ask (nonthreatening) personal questions. Casually ask how their work is going. When these conversations happen in the context of another chore, it's amazing how much more willing people are to share vital information about themselves. Scheduled one on ones are great, but much is revealed through these tangential interactions.
• You and their teammates get to see them in action. When you work remotely, there are few opportunities for people to express themselves, and not everyone is comfortable piping up on a teleconference. Watching how they prepare for a meeting, whether they know their stuff, and seeing if they're comfortable using collaboration tools are all important factors in assessing someone's work and if they need skill development in a particular area. Teammates trust those people they believe competent.
• People appreciate how hard it is and might actually help in the future. It's easy to roll your eyes and complain about webmeetings. It's even easier to tune out and start answering email when someone is presenting. Karma being what it is, though, if one of your co-workers is presenting you'll give them a little more appreciation and attention -- if only because that means your turn is coming. You'll expect the same of them. Once people have presented online and have an understanding of what's involved, they will likely be a bit more attentive and patient.
• You get to show your stars off to other people. Giving people the chance to network beyond their own team is important to retention and engagement. If you're presenting to the senior management, why not take the opportunity to show off those people who have merited some attention, or might be in line for promotion? Developing your bench-strength is a crucial part of your job and your bosses get to see how good a manager you are by appreciating your team members.
• You get some much-needed assistance. Let's face it. All this high-minded manager stuff is great, but sometimes you just need to get the darned presentation done or meeting finished.Getting a little help isn't a bad thing, and learning who your "g-to" people are is important.

Read more

• 3 Reasons not to run your own virtual meetings
• When to hold webmeetings and when not to bother