Back in the Room: Reclaiming the Power of the Presence in the Virtual Age

The world of work has undergone a permanent shift.  Remote meetings, hybrid boards, and flexible engagements are the norm rather than exception in our professional lives.  For many, this is warmly welcomed (including by me).  The efficiencies gained through adopted digital tools have transformed how we operate, particularly in resource conscious organisations like credit unions, social enterprises and SMEs.

And yet, in recent months, through visiting clients across the country I’ve been reminded of the irreplaceable value of being physically “in the room”.

There’s a different energy when people gather.  A different level of attention.  A different kind of conversation.  And while digital tools have undoubtedly empowered us, I believe it’s time to more intentionally consider what we may be leaving behind.

The Appeal of Virtual

Let’s be clear, remote and hybrid working are not passing trends, and we must accept them as established norm.  And they’ve brought with them a long list of positives, especially for small consultancies such as Constituent. 

For our credit unions clients, particularly those operating on modest budgets or across multiple locations, virtual platforms have enabled participation, more consistent engagement, and reduced operational costs.  Travel budgets have shrunk.  Agendas have become tighter.  Flexibility has improved.  For part time board members or geographically dispersed teams, this has made a real and lasting difference.

There’s also no question that these tools have helped us remain resilient.  They’ve enabled governance continuity during a crisis and opened new doors to external expertise and support, which might otherwise have been out of reach.

Yet, even with a calendar full of Teams or Zoom meetings, many professionals quietly admit to a growing sense of isolation.  There’s something emotionally draining about going through an entire working day without sharing space with another human being.  The webcam may connect is visually but often fails to satisfy our deeper need for human interaction.

What We Lose by Being Apart

We underestimate the subtle power of simply being near others.  A shared laugh, a knowing glance, or the reassuring presence of a colleague in the room can cut through the sense of disconnection that even the most efficient virtual setups sometimes bring.

Over the last year, I’ve seen first-hand how much can be gained by stepping back into physical spaces together.  In person sessions have re-ignited strategic ambition, unlocked difficult conversations, and helped rebuild trust in leadership teams that had grown distant, if not divided, through years of digital dominated engagement.

Something happens when people share space.  Side conversations lead to breakthrough insights.  Body language conveys nuance that video simply can’t capture.  Misunderstandings are addressed in real time.  Disagreements are handled with more care.

A CEO described it perfectly after a recently facilitated strategic away day “That was the most engaged the Board’s been in years”.  That sentiment speaks volumes; not because they weren’t meeting, but because they were clearly not connecting! 

As consultants, we’ve long known that strategy isn’t about planning but rather it’s about dialogue, trust, and momentum.  And all of these are easier to generate when people are fully present, both physically and mentally.

This Isn’t About Turning Back the Clock

Let me be clear, this isn’t a call for a wholesale return to the office or for every meeting to be face to face.  That would neither be realistic nor helpful.  Virtual working has earned its place in our toolkit, and rightly so.

Rather, this is an invitation to think more deliberately.  To recognise that physical presence is not just a logistical option, but a strategic choice.  One that can be deployed at the right moments to enhance clarity, build alignment, and strengthen relationships.

For example, critical planning sessions, governance workshops, executive appraisals, or board reflections on organisational culture, these are the kinds of discussions where virtual tools often fall short.  Where nuance matters and engagement needs to go deeper than a webcam permits.

At a time when many credit unions are undertaking bold change, migrating core systems, responding to evolving member needs, or rethinking their business models, the ability to hold rich, honest and collaborative conversation is more vital than ever.

The Role of Leadership Culture

Ultimately, this is a cultural issue, not just a practical one.  Boards and leadership teams set the tone for how their organisations engage within.  If every interaction is driven by efficiency alone, then we risk losing the creativity, challenge, and shared purpose that come from relational working.

Leadership is about more than chairing a meeting or delivering updates. It’s about presence, both literal and symbolic.  It’s about showing up at the moment that matters and holds meaning, not just to perform a function, but to demonstrate commitment.

For Chairs, CEOs and senior executives, that might mean carving out time for strategic in person dialogue even when day to day operations are remote.  For board members, it could mean prioritising key sessions where organisational direction or transformation is being shaped.  For teams, it may involve periodically coming together to celebrate progress, recalibrate goals, or simply to reconnect as people.

Conclusion – Rediscovering the Power of Our Presence

At Constituent, we work with organisations every day on digital transformation.  We believe in the power of technology to remove barriers, unlock potential and drive performance.  But we also recognise that transformation is ultimately a human process … and humans need connection!

The return to in person engagement is not a rejection of ‘virtual’ or be viewed as a step backwards.  It’s rebalancing.  A recognition that not all value is found in efficiency.  Some of it is found in shared space, shared moments, and shared energy.

So perhaps now is the time for us to all reassess our working norms.

Ask yourself and your leadership team – where could being back in the room make a difference?  What conversations are better face to face?  And how can you blend the best of both worlds to create a culture that is not only flexible, but deeply connected?

If you’re ready to explore what this balance could look like for your organisation, whether in terms of governance, strategy or transformation, we’d be delighted to help.   Sometimes, the first step forward is simply showing up!

Constituent’s here to help organisations blend digital efficiency with human connection, strategically, ethically, and effectively with tailored advice, guidance and business solutions. 

So, let’s start this journey together!  Contact Paul at paul@constituentassociates.com 

Paul Rooney

Director & Founder, Constituent