From Classroom to Zoom: what hasn’t changed…
Since COVID-19 reared its ugly head, so much in our daily lives has changed. In fact, these changes seem to be all anyone ever talks about now. For us at Seventh-Wave®, there have been some changes, yes, but what is more important is what has not changed. We have found ourselves having to deliver a lot more of our training virtually, however this is not something we are new to. We have always used video calling as a training method in certain cases, and so when the great move to virtual meetings happened, we were not caught off guard. While we cannot work as intimately with our clients as we are used to, most of what we do has stayed perfectly the same, with the same great results we always had. Don’t believe us? Here is a list of 10 things that have stayed virtually the same (pardon the pun), despite the move from Classroom to Zoom:
- Our amazing content.
Knowing how to lead a team is more important now than ever. Employees need corralling, inspiring, and motivating, and so our content has not changed one bit. We still help clients learn how to best manage a group. We still help clients learn more about themselves. We still help clients gain confidence in their abilities and be the best they can be. As they say, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’.
- Breakout groups.
The magic of technology means that we can still use one of our favourite training methods even when we are not training in person. Zoom allows us to create breakout groups, giving trainees the chance to discuss ideas in smaller numbers, create strong bonds, and participate more confidently before rejoining the main group. We love this opportunity to get to know our trainees more personally, and for them to get to know each other, and this does not have to change.
- Visual aids.
For those trainers that love a good slide-show, and those trainees that need the visual aid to help them concentrate, the ‘Share Screen’ feature of Zoom allows these to be used throughout the training session. Use those flame transitions as much as you want, cos they’re not going anywhere.
- Connecting with clients.
Using video calling may seem slightly daunting or awkward to some, however our practice at it has meant that we now can create connections through the screen just as effectively as we could in person. Our trainers all have this ability, having done plenty of practice, and so any client joining the session will be made to feel comfortable and ready to get involved.
- Flexibility.
If anything, moving from classroom to Zoom has given us more flexibility when it comes to who we can train, and when. Wherever you are in the world, we can connect with you and help you with whatever concerns you may have, just as before.
- A great learning environment.
We pride ourselves on creating a welcoming, calming, and exciting learning environment when you walk into one of our training rooms. When the room is virtual, this is no different. A Seventh-Wave® trainer will always maintain this standard of environment, and you can bet on the fact that your virtual classroom will be primed for an amazing learning experience.
- Our impressive feedback.
We love hearing what our clients have to say about us, and our great feedback has not changed since the surge in virtual training. We have held numerous workshops in the past 8 months, and are only becoming more booked up as time goes on. Those who have attended these training sessions have gained just as much from them as our in person clients, and we have feedback to prove it.
- Growing our network.
Opportunities have opened for Seventh-Wave® across the globe that wouldn’t have been possible without the surge in virtual connection, and they are open for you, too. Be it an opportunity to speak in a virtual conference to 100s of people, or asked to provide specialised training to a company in a different country (both of which our trainers have ticked off their pandemic bucket list), we remain as connected as ever.
- Supporting our network.
We are extremely proud of the Seventh-Wave® community we have created, and we constantly offer support to our trainers and clients. From message groups to frequent video calls, as well as knowing there is someone constantly at the other end of the phone should you need them, technology allows us to support our network better than ever, and we use it to the fullest.
- Laughs!
It’s not a Seventh-Wave® session without some laughter, and that has not changed. Even though it may now come from your dog suddenly bursting into the room with a whole chicken in its mouth while you try to seriously discuss your hopes and fears, the laughter in a Seventh-Wave® workshop will never go away.
A lot has changed in the past 8 months, yes. But at Seventh-Wave®, we are happy to focus on what has stayed the same, and that is just about everything.