“A cheap writing tablet can transform your PowerPoint into a shared canvas.” - Ali Hajou

Remote facilitation has come a long way since the early days of clunky video calls. In this lively episode, four experienced facilitators—Mark, Ali, Stephan, and Niko—swap stories about how they transformed their home offices into high-energy digital studios. From teleprompters and standing desks to iPhone cameras strapped to arms, they prove that you don’t necessarily need massive budgets to build an engaging remote-training setup.

Key Insights & Highlights

• Start Small, Then Iterate: Ali kicked off his remote facilitation journey using an old smartphone as a second camera, proving that you don’t need high-end equipment right away. Simple upgrades like a cheap writing tablet (Wacom One) or extra monitor can quickly elevate the online learning experience.
• Stand and Deliver: Mark discovered that switching to a standing desk injected fresh energy into his sessions. Standing mirrors the dynamic feel of an in-person workshop and helps prevent the infamous “Zoom slump.”
• Keep It Authentic: Stephan emphasized not overcomplicating gear. If you’re not into flashy overlays or spinning graphics, that’s okay. A good microphone, decent lighting, and an accessible digital board (like Miro or even Excel) may be all you need.
• Break It Up: Niko’s approach reminded everyone that pacing matters more than ever in virtual settings. Frequent short breaks—enough time to actually stand, stretch, or even jog—help participants stay engaged instead of flipping over to email.
• Next-Level Tools: For those who want to geek out, open-source OBS software allows you to switch seamlessly between multiple cameras, add fun overlays, and keep the focus on the content. If you prefer a more plug-and-play style, look at hardware switchers (like the Blackmagic ATEM Mini) or a Stream Deck to simplify switching scenes and slides.

Human Touch

Each host has a unique style. Ali is the “hardware guy,” always tinkering with his suitcase studio so he can set up anywhere in 10 minutes. Stephan, self-proclaimed “old dog,” embraced new gadgets like a teleprompter to simulate direct eye contact. Niko loves mixing analog tools (like paper cards) with digital meeting rooms, ensuring creative variety. Mark ties it all together with a stand-up energy that keeps participants on their toes—literally.

Actionable Takeaways

1. Focus on Comfort First: Good lighting, clear audio, and a decent camera angle will solve 80% of remote issues.
2. Use Breaks Wisely: Add a 10–15 minute break every hour to maintain energy and let participants recharge.
3. Experiment Gradually: Before investing in expensive gear, test software solutions like OBS or the Stream Deck app for your phone.
4. Stay Authentic: Don’t chase every shiny new tool; pick what truly enhances your facilitation style.

Conclusion

Ready to level up your remote facilitation game? Start by experimenting with one new piece of gear or software—then let your creativity lead the way. And be sure to tune in for the next episode, where the team dives into the software side of remote workshops, sharing demos, tips, and more.

References

Work Together Anywhere by Lisette Sutherland

“Leaders have to do more than simply say ‘we have two systems.’ They have to actively steer the organization so it’s both robust and free to innovate.” - Stephan Neck

What happens when an organization outgrows the myth that “all you need is cross-functional teams”? In this episode of SPCs Unleashed, Stephan, Ali, Niko, and Mark dig into the Dual Operating System—the concept that healthy enterprises need both a stable hierarchy and a network of agile teams. Balancing these two “systems” can be tricky: too much network, and chaos creeps in; too much hierarchy, and innovation stalls.

The group shares real-world stories where line managers struggled to find their place in an agile environment, and teams were forced to “figure out” things like career growth, performance management, and compliance. The central point? A thriving enterprise can’t ignore its operational backbone or the people who keep it running—yet it also can’t let old school structures choke the flow of value.

Key Highlights

• Hierarchy Still Matters: Killing off management leads to confusion, with nobody taking care of essential processes or people’s long-term growth.
• Network for Speed & Innovation: Agile teams excel at quick delivery and iterative feedback, but that alone can’t address bigger structural needs.
• Role of Leadership: Far from being “evil,” leaders must shift focus—away from daily task management and toward supporting employees’ development and well-being.
• Avoid Over-Fluffiness: Simply “trusting teams” without clarifying accountability and career pathways can create a ticking time bomb.
• Concrete Mechanisms: Allocating a fixed budget or “time code” (e.g., a 10% buffer) ensures capacity for improvement and competence development in the network.

Actionable Insights

• Involve HR Early: They offer critical expertise for dual reporting lines, role clarity, and setting up the right systems (e.g., Workday, SAP) to support both hierarchy and network.
• Formalize Time & Budget for Growth: Reserve capacity for improvement and cross-team learning—otherwise urgent priorities push it aside.
• Educate Managers on “New Leadership”: Shift from daily control to integrator responsibilities—connecting people across silos and guiding their professional journeys.

Conclusion

Embracing a Dual Operating System means recognizing that “manager” isn’t a bad word—hierarchies can be powerful for stability and talent development, while agile networks spark rapid innovation. With the right balance, clear processes, and respect for both sides of the coin, enterprises can keep their core strong while racing forward into new possibilities.

References

Six Simple Rules by Eve Morieux and Peter Toolman

“If you do no pre-work, the first 20 minutes are lost—someone can’t open Miro, doesn’t have the password, so you lose that time sorting out technical difficulties.” - Mark Richards

Remote facilitation may feel like juggling blindfolded—especially when every participant has a muted mic and a hidden camera. In this episode of SPCs Unleashed, our hosts (Mark Richards, Ali Hajou, Stephan Neck, and Nikolaos Kaintantzis) share what they’ve learned about driving engagement when no one’s in the same room. From innovative digital whiteboard designs to “crazy” energizers, they show that running remote sessions is more than swapping your physical whiteboard for a screen—it’s about designing for human connection in a virtual space.

Whether you’re leading a PI Planning event or training new teams, remote facilitation demands empathy, flexible tools, and a heavy dose of creativity. If you’ve struggled with black squares on video calls, endless background noise, or total silence from participants, this conversation will spark fresh ideas for making digital gatherings productive and even fun.

Key Highlights

• Design for Comfort: Encourage participants to try the collaboration tools (e.g., Miro, Teams) before the workshop. Simple pre-work like creating avatars or adding photos helps them ease in.
• Amp Up Visibility: Since you can’t “walk the room,” build boards and back channels that let you observe activity. Moving cursors, color-coded sticky notes, and quick status checks reveal who’s stuck and who’s on track.
• Energize with Novelty: From tossing a virtual ball between co-facilitators to spinning a “wheel of names,” tiny sparks of fun can keep everyone alert and participating.
• Focus on Flow, Not Just Talk: A 90-minute monologue is deadly. Instead, break up the session with breakouts, short tasks, or interactive polls—anything that makes participants do something rather than sit passively.

Actionable Insights

• Shorten & Stagger Sessions: Avoid back-to-back marathons. Build in small buffer zones so people can regroup between calls.
• Use Multi-Modal Channels: Combine a shared board, a voice channel, and possibly a chat thread for real-time text. This mimics the multi-layered communication of an in-person room.
• Plan Twice as Much: Remote sessions often require more upfront prep. Test your platforms, arrange breakout flows, and consider a second facilitator to troubleshoot tech.

Conclusion

Remote facilitation has traveled far beyond “new reality” status—it’s simply how many of us work. With the right preparation, a dash of human empathy, and a few creative tricks, even digital distance can spark real engagement. Tune in for practical insights on orchestrating seamless, lively virtual sessions that your teams will remember for all the right reasons.