I check every so often if people would like to speak or comment. I encourage participants to make use of the chat function also for those that may not be confident speaking out. I always make it a point to say that all of the voices and perspectives in the room are important.

To create a welcoming space in virtual sessions, I start by inviting everyone to share a positive intention, which helps set a friendly tone. We use a “parking lot” for anonymous questions or thoughts, and check in with emojis to share how we’re feeling. I encourage people to “pass the mic,” letting each person have a turn to speak. We also talk about the session as a “brave space,” where everyone can be open and respectful. At the end, we have an “appreciation round” to share thanks, making sure everyone leaves feeling heard and valued.

To get the most out of a diverse, skilled team, I focus on gathering targeted input rather than having everyone speak for the sake of it. Asking participants questions based on their expertise ensures relevant, valued input and shows respect for their unique contribution. However, to avoid creating silos, I first invite general input, then follow up with the specialized questions mentioned above. Next, I often ask others for their views based on their role and the potential relationship to the topic. Doing this fosters cross-functional collaboration, makes the meeting outcomes even more robust, and hopefully adds value to all participants.