How Covid-19 changed the etiquette and format of business relationships
Within the framework of the joint project of “Alterbridge” and Radio Utsnobi, the rubric “AlterTema” is headed by Mako Jaoshvili, Vice-Rector of Alterbridge, Communication Expert, Head of Alterbridge Higher Academic Programs.
Mako pointed out that in Covid’s conditions, as business relationships are mostly online, the focus is more on facial expressions, gestures, tone of voice, rhythm of conversation.
It is important to pay attention to the format of remote work, how we can express empathy for the interlocutor. The feeling of empathy is even more valuable in online relationships.
As for organizing meetings with the zoom platform, it also had some positive results, one of which is saving time, which was needed, for example, during moving from one place to another.
Zoom allows easy communication from different cities and sometimes countries, the main thing is continuous internet access. Trainers, lecturers, experts easily communicate with the audience despite the distance, moreover, the process is moderated in such a way that the unity is not disturbed. Successful examples were substantiated by Mako through personal learning practices and peer-to-peer experience.
According to Mako, it is possible to strengthen several important skills while working in Zoom. Adjusting the microphone on / off helps to practice listening skills. Participants are more careful with each other and try to summarize what they have to say and / or write in the “chat”.