Do you feel your team meetings aren’t as productive as they could be? Or maybe you’re finding yourself in too many meetings that could be emails.
Trust me, you’re not alone.
Meetings aren’t supposed to be something you dread. Instead, they should be safe, productive spaces for team members to connect.
To keep that momentum, here are five things your team meetings need to be more productive and, dare I say, more fun.
An Agenda
Every meeting needs an agenda. Not only is it a guideline to keep the meetings on track, but it’s also a way to let your team know what to expect.
The introverts on your team will love it!
Another thing you can do with the agendas is create it in a Google Doc or other shared space and give your team a place to add their topics- such as project concerns or scheduling questions- so nothing gets overlooked.
Connection Opportunities
Despite popular belief, meetings don’t have to be all business. At the beginning of your meetings, ask fun questions and use them to connect with your team.
You could ask them general questions, like their favorite ice cream flavour or tv show, or you can get personal and ask about their future goals, challenges, etc. You can also check their mental state by asking them how they feel about the meeting and how you can put them at ease.
Whichever questions you use, remember that the goal is to learn more about your team while they learn about each other. Plus, if you also answer the questions, it’s also an opportunity to give them insight into their CEO. This bonding will go a long way toward creating a smooth working environment.
As they talk and connect, take notes of their answers. Then, if you ever need to give them a gift, you have some ideas to choose from.
Announcements and Updates
Remember to create a dedicated slot for announcements and updates. That way, you can ensure your team hears and understands any upcoming launches, holidays, etc.
You can also use this slot to highlight something you’re proud of (project status, team member dedication, milestones) or something your team member is proud of.
You can add anything to this slot, but the important thing is that you’re keeping your team updated on the big news within the company. That way, they know how to support you and can prepare for any upcoming changes.
Free Space for Discussion
At the end of the meeting, give your team a free slot to bring up any discussion points you might have missed.
They can also use this time to ask questions, offer opinions, and express ideas on all aspects of the business- as long as they stay within the time allotted.
Action Items
At the end of the meeting, compile the action items produced during the conversation and list what it is, who it goes to, and when you need it. Then, you can delegate the tasks and keep everyone working smoothly.
BONUS TIP: A Dedicated Leader
Before the meeting, assign one person as the dedicated leader. They’ll make the agenda, steer the conversation, keep everyone on track, task out action items, and keep everyone focused and on the same page.
If you aren’t the one running the meeting, find someone dependable, calm, and able to direct conversations or mediate disagreements or strong personalities.
If you put the right person in charge, you’ll upgrade your meetings overnight.
Final Thoughts
Boring, unstructured team meetings are a thing of the past. The tips in this article will help you elevate your team meetings and make them fun, productive, and organized.
Then, your team will never dread your meetings again!
