What do you do if your remote team needs to conduct virtual meetings using mobile devices?

It is fine depending on the situation. If the meeting only required calls, without no datasets or slide deck being presented, there is absolutely no harm.

During virtual meetings, team members using different operating systems faced challenges. Selecting apps that work seamlessly across platforms is crucial. Zoom and Microsoft Teams were the most reliable due to their support for Android and iOS, smooth screen sharing, file transfers, and easy invite options. Ensuring everyone is familiar with the app's basic functions before the meeting and providing a quick walk-through for new team members can help avoid hiccups and save time on troubleshooting.

Poor connectivity can disrupt productive meetings. A team member's mobile data could cause a meeting to be rescheduled. To prevent this, everyone should test their Wi-Fi or data connections at least 15 minutes before meetings. Encouraging mobile devices in areas with strong signals or downloading meeting materials beforehand can help mitigate connection issues. A quick speed test or built-in connection test in an app can also save time and headaches.

In mobile meetings, it's crucial to be prepared for battery drain. A colleague's phone died during a presentation, causing interruptions. To prevent this, team members should charge their devices beforehand or plug them in during meetings. Closing unnecessary background apps and having a backup charger are also helpful. Participants should be reminded to pause briefly if needed to maintain uninterrupted conversation.

Good audio is crucial in virtual meetings, as background noise can cause distractions and miscommunication. To improve sound quality, use headphones with built-in mics and remind everyone to mute when not speaking. If audio is cut out, suggest switching to audio-only or rejoining the meeting to resolve bandwidth issues. This proactive approach makes meetings smoother and reduces distractions.

Virtual meetings, particularly on mobile devices, can lead to feelings of disconnectedness and lower engagement levels. Encouraging everyone to keep their cameras on can improve engagement. In a remote project, having cameras off and on made team members more focused and involved. Interactive features like "raise hand" and emojis can prevent feelings of isolation. This visual engagement on smaller mobile screens can make meetings feel more dynamic and inclusive.

Clarity is crucial in mobile meetings, as it can be easy to lose track of important points. To improve clarity, summarizing key takeaways and assigning clear action items immediately after the call is essential. A project management practice involves sending a brief recap via a mobile-friendly tool like Trello or Asana within an hour after the meeting, ensuring everyone is on the same page and assigning clear priorities for the team. Quick follow-up messages maintain momentum and prevent missed details.