Have you ever left a meeting feeling it was a failure? Was it the design, the dynamics, the people? By coincidence, today I was in a morning session with a community of practice for facilitators and the first prompt was about how you know when you are in a group that is grooving. Having recently experienced a not-so-groovy meeting, this got me thinking about what I can do to change the experience from failure to ‘grooving’. Here are a few thoughts:
For the facilitator:
- Opening and closing meetings helps to create a space for work. Don’t rush it and don’t forget the closing (even if it’s a quick round)!
- Connection is key. Ensure space and time for discussion in pairs and threes.
- Remember the introverts. Allow time for thinking or individual writing.
- Plan for managing personalities, power dynamics, and psychological safety.
- Clarity of instructions supports the outcome. Be clear about what you are looking for in each part of your agenda (perhaps its input or simply acknowledgement).
- Capture next steps visually. It’s helpful for everyone to see and agree on the action points (and suggest edits if needed in the moment).
- Use the meeting agreements. Generating them is one thing however ensuring they are put into practice is another.
- Ensure a break, even if brief.
For the participants:
- Engage. Attend the meeting with the intention to participate.
- Show up early so the meeting can start on time.
- Speak up if you can’t hear or see something so people know in the room (or online). Hybrid is still a challenge. This is especially true if using unfamiliar rooms and equipment.
- Read the agenda in advance and provide early input.
- Support your colleagues and fellow meeting participants with positive body language, active listening, and respect.
- Have fun. We are all in this together!
I would love to hear your ideas! Share your best tips (especially for tricky teams) and let’s have more great meetings please.
