What I missed about the in-person events (reflections)

As we transition to the ‘next normal’, I have been reflecting on my readjustment to the in-person work and social situations. I found it fascinating observing behaviour of others and my own as I returned to the office, started attending hybrid conferences, re-joined the salsa classes and delivered in-person training for the first time in 20 months.

Recently I attended a 24 hour residential in Crewe organised by the Organisational Development in Higher Educations (ODHE) network. Here are my reflections from that event, specifically focusing on what I missed about the in-person interactions.

I missed the energy of other people! I hugely underestimated how much I get out of being around other people and feeling the buzz in a room. I guess there is no hiding that I’m an extravert.

In-person residentials and conferences create an opportunity to visit new places that you might never go to otherwise. ??

Visiting new places provides visual stimulation and helps to break your patterns. Whether you are impressed by quirky buildings full of character from the 1690s or by the miles of green surroundings (more so for someone from grey London), different environments can inspire creativity and innovation.

Attending in-person events away from your work place provides freedom from urgency. You are consciously taking a break from day-to-day activities to give yourself headspace, an opportunity to get off the hamster wheel and look at the bigger picture. Even the travel time can offer a chance to decompress and refocus. ?

It makes brainstorming and collaboration easy and free flowing. Within 2 minutes of having a conversation with a colleagues, we decided to use the nearby flipchart to brainstorm ideas on what is needed to become an activist (because, why not?). ?

It’s much easier to initiate and continue an informal conversation. It seems the informal conversations are often influenced by the environment we are in, our shared experiences and observations of our actions…. all of which are hugely restricted when you’re in a virtual box. More about this in my next blog! ?

And most importantly, it’s much easier to form human connections. An in-person environment feels like a safer place to share and connect over personal stories, to have a laugh, to learn about each other likes and dislikes, to see beyond the professional exterior and connect with the authentic personalities.

Don’t get me know wrong, I do believe that virtual world has many benefits like being able to keep the connections going or joining the Global Network for People Developers monthly meeting from anywhere in the world (even from another conference).

We just need to find a way to balance these two worlds, which can give us the best of both experiences.

• What have you noticed about your transition to the next normal?
• Have you missed the in-person interactions?
• Is this our opportunity to drive change or will we fall back into old habits?

Share your thoughts and experiences, I would love to hear from you.?

This is blog 3 of 12 linking to the commitment I made to write more, see blog 1: "Be my accountability buddy as I aim to change my attitude towards writing".

Blog 2: Staying calm under pressure like an athlete