Leading Virtually

Hello, I'm MDRT President Randy Scritchfield. And I would like to share one of my leadership touchpoints. Today, the topic is leading virtually. With more than 90,000 members and 90% of them outside North America, MDRT has not only adapted to change, but also grown and evolved in the process, rising above uncertainties. We have shown this in many ways, including shifting to highly engaging virtual meetings when we could not convene in person. Beyond major meetings and events, today's MDRT members are connecting in more and different ways than ever before. Through study groups, book clubs, and other interactive virtual means, they continue to forge meaningful connections. That is a key reason why our membership has grown. So, what does that mean for you in your MDRT leadership role? Are there meaningful differences between in person and virtual leadership? Do you need to take a different approach to team communications when working virtually instead of face to face?

In some ways, yes. But remember that leading virtually has long been integral to MDRT's work. For years we have successfully collaborated globally, regionally and locally. Staying connected and engaged across boundaries is fundamental to all we do. So, you are not starting from square one. Whether it is in person or virtually, MDRT trust that you will be accessible to your team members and proactive in staying in contact with them. You will always know what projects they are tackling and how they are going. What obstacles they are facing and what they need to succeed.

That said, I encourage you to employ three key strategies for strong virtual leadership. First, reconsider your goals to ensure you have set realistic expectations. This will help team members be productive in their roles and feel they can achieve what they have set out to do. Second, be clear and concise in your communications. Not everyone on your team or in a virtual meeting will speak your language or share similar cultural backgrounds. Finally, use technology to your advantage. From video conferencing tools like Zoom to document sharing platforms, you have many means to enable impactful work and engagement among your team members, wherever they may be. These techniques will allow you to lead virtually as well as you have ever led in person.