I have long been speaking about painting pictures to influence others. One of the great things that has come out of the pandemic has been the successful shift to online learning and online facilitating that so many of us have made. In the online environment painting pictures is quicker, easier and can be more compelling than using butcher’s paper, post-it notes and a whiteboard.

The tools I use when facilitating online include my Surface Studio with touch screen and pen, the Microsoft whiteboard and my most powerful tool, Mural. From what I can tell, Mural and Miro are the two most popular online collaboration tools.

I now use Mural as a workbook for a training program. I set up a series of “sub-murals” on a mural board and unveil them with content and activities as the session unfolds. Participants are able to drop e-post-it-notes onto the board to make comments or record findings. They can build things like process maps. They can draw and create a story. All of it flows pretty seamlessly, even for those using the tool for the first time.

I am raising this because being in lockdown as many in Australia are, or being unable to bring teams together across state borders for in-person sessions, highlights this perfect time to take advantage of these tools. Just like I said when writing about Adaptive Leadership last year, experimentation is critical at this time.

If you want to get a sample of how I use these tools, come to one of my free webinars some time or join one of my various training programs coming up. A few are highlighted below. It would be great to see you there!

Stay safe!