Over the last few days I've had a number conversations around how you can really engage the team when you're having a large meeting. These are three ideas covering some of the techniques we use to ensure you have the whole team involved rather than some of the more dominant personalities;
- Break the team up. Split the team into two or three groups and get them working on different tasks or even the same task, then have them present back and discuss their thinking in the larger group. If you consider a meeting with ten people, in an hour they can only contribute for maximum of six minutes. Breaking the group down increases the contribution people can make.
- Have people change roles. Encourage different people to be the presenters each time the groups give feedback. This may force people out of their comfort zone somewhat but it does provides a personal development opportunity.
- Vote to Focus. Where there are many things that need to be discussed, brainstorm a full list of items to ensure everyone gets their ideas on the table and then have the team to vote on which are the ones that need to be discussed further or moved forward. Give everyone three votes. Don't let the manager vote first!
Don't have a planning session where you just sit around a table and have a long discussion. Have a clear agenda, break the groups up to discuss different items, and vote on the issues that come up. These simple techniques will ensure that your planning session is more engaging. This in turn will increase the commitment to implementing the proposed changes.
If you would like more information about how to maximise the impact of your planning process
contact us.