Virtual
programs -
our approach

While we are constantly discovering opportunities for greater effectiveness in virtual learning, we have confidence in our core understanding of what works in creating environments that are emotionally safe, playful and conducive to learning. The following are some of the understandings we have about virtual learning

1. Limit class sizes to 12 or fewer.  One of the biggest challenges to virtual learning is that it requires participants to mute themselves to avoid too much background noise.  We believe this causes psychological and emotional distance for the learner.  By limiting class size, it increases the opportunity for participants to interact.  When everyone has come off mute to contribute a comment, question or insight, the group develops an expectation of active participation.  This increases engagement and creates an understanding of the value of what we have to learn from each participant in the course.  
2. Limit Class Length. There is a limit to how long a group can stay engaged in a virtual setting.  With in-person learning it is common for us to spend a full eight hours in the classroom.  This is not possible in a virtual setting.  Simply put, we are not biologically wired to spend an entire day interacting through a video screen.  We are open to the limits increasing as we develop a higher tolerance for virtual interaction, but as of now we feel that 3 hours (with breaks!) is the maximum limit for virtual learning courses.  All of our courses are designed to run for 3 hours or less. 
3. Multiple Sessions / Same Group. In order to create environments of trust and emotional safety, the majority of our offerings are designed for the same group to meet over multiple sessions.  This allows the group time to develop its own unique identity and become comfortable enough with each other to take risks.  The taking of emotional risks, of saying “I don’t know,” is critical for transformational learning.  Creating trust among participants is essential. 
4. Limit Content / Emphasize Interaction. With limited class length we intentionally have scaled back the amount of content we hope to impart with each session. It is better to have gone deep on two or three crucial aspects of leadership development than to try and cover the breadth of information available on any one topic.  This allows us to place a priority on participants interacting with one another and learning about themselves and their colleagues in small group and partner work. 
5. Follow-up Group Coaching. We often say that nothing is learned in the classroom.  Learning takes place when participants are inspired to try new ways of leading, relating and engaging in their lives once they leave the classroom.  The ability for participants to reconnect in a small intimate group and share what they are trying to do differently, and any insights they are discovering has a tremendous impact on helping the learning stick.