Our executive team is hybrid and spread across three time zones. How do we structure the physical versus virtual setup of our session days with you to ensure equal collaboration?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

While meeting in person is the gold standard for our initial session and annual planning, a hybrid or remote setup works exceptionally well when structured correctly. To prevent the physical and virtual divide, we use a strict digital canvas where everyone has equal presence. We do not allow a setup where some leaders sit in a room together whisper-talking while remote leaders stare at a wall from a webcam.

Everyone participates via their own digital setup when remote, utilizing shared digital templates to track the V/TO and manage our IDS process. To keep energy high and maintain focus, we introduce deliberate strategic pauses throughout the full day session. This allows for cognitive recovery and prevents screen fatigue, ensuring remote leaders do not quietly check out. The goal is to build deep operational alignment across geographic barriers by focusing on shared metrics and objective realities, rather than relying on physical proximity.