We’re in the middle of a big snow storm here in the Midwest. As the forecast developed earlier this week I started getting calls about this meeting and that meeting. Are we going to cancel? Do you want to Zoom? Well, if the forecast comes true, yes, we’ll cancel. Are we going to Zoom? My initial thought was, “No, because I want a snow day!” I felt a bit guilty at first, as though I was being lazy for wanting to sneak in a day off. But with more thought, I realized that I was actually being adaptive and flexible in changing circumstances. I advise you, unless something is so urgent it cannot wait, resist the urge to go virtual just because you can. Here’s why.

1. A Snow Day Changes Everything – The circumstances that led to your inability to meet in person has impacted more than just your meeting. Don’t assume that everybody can now sit at home with all their technology at the ready counting down the minutes until they can meet virtually with you. Much more than the location of your meeting has changed. New challenges, responsibilities, and opportunities have arisen.

2. Home Technology Is Hard – The technology and timing of virtual meetings is stressful. If it is a weather event that caused you to cancel in person then everyone is at risk of losing electricity or internet connection at home. For many, finding a private place at home that is free from distraction isn’t even possible. The dogs are barking wanting to go out and come in. A package is delivered with a knock at the door. The kids are home from school and have questions and needs. The device you use for virtual meetings at home may also be needed for the kids’ school or entertainment. Your colleagues will be frustrated to have to juggle it all. You can end up with a real lack of engagement simply due to the distractions and difficulties of going virtual.

3. New Responsibilities – It is a significant event if you cannot meet on location as originally planned. Schools may be called off and the spouse may be home from work, as well. Preparations need to be made by grabbing some extra groceries, making sure your phones are charged, getting gas, parking the cars and covering the windshields. You may have to cook at home when you would have had carry out. Outside plants and animals need extra care and accommodations. Sidewalks and driveways need shoveled. Elderly friends and relatives need checked. All of these extra duties are urgent and unexpected. We need to close down the other non urgent plans in order to adjust to these very real needs.

4. Unique Opportunities – Snow days bring opportunities that only come on days like these. Make snow ice cream. Enjoy the view of the falling snow. Make a hot chocolate and curl up by the fire. Notice the silence and peace a covering of snow brings to the landscape. If you are a parent, playing with the kids in the snow is a high priority! Pull out the sleds and the snow boots and take some pictures, too. Suddenly and unexpectedly wonderful new opportunities have arisen. Seize these moments. Don’t give these times up for a meeting that would be done better later and in person.

5. Flexibility and Adaptability – You may think that insisting on moving ahead with a meeting is being cutting edge and adapting to the new technology. But refusing to reschedule is rigidity and a lack of awareness of the changing situation. Don’t be so stubborn that you fail to take into account the difficulties of the changing circumstances or that you miss out on the unexpected opportunities before you. Be flexible. Be adaptable. Think it through. Perhaps you will join me in resisting the virtual snow day.

Peace and good health to you.

Tish Laiben Green