How often have we heard that technology is going to replace to a large extent face-to-face meetings? However, tech gurus forgot to add a key variable to the equation, the human factor. Even though a lot of meetings can/could be held via web- and video-conferences, virtual meetings, etc. we should never underestimate one of our most basic needs, the desire to connect personally with other people.
Recently, Forbes Insights published an article proving how essential face-to-face meetings are. They surveyed over 750 business executives about their meeting and travel preferences and their opinion about the effectiveness of different meeting methods.
One of the core outcomes is that executives prefer in-person meetings as it allows them to better understand the client/partner by connecting not just on a business but also social or rather personal level. Hence it is easier to build and strengthen relationships.
Another key finding is that certain topics and issues can’t be dealt with effectively in virtual meetings. Such meetings lack factors like persuasion, leadership, engagement, attention and decision-making. It is very hard to find a consensus as web- or videoconferences don’t help creating trust, recognition and in general “to get a feeling” about something.
The entire report can be looked up under:
Forbes Insight report: Business meetings: The case for face-to-face
Hospitalitynet.org 29 Sep 2009
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