5 Tips for Running Engaging Meetings | TwoLine Studios
How can we boost engagement in meetings?
Heather Willems and Gary Ware virtually leading “Draw Your Future” workshop at SXSW 2021 VIEW FULL WORKSHOP
The past three years have been transformational for many of our clients, friends, and family members. It has been a time to re-evaluate our values, dig deep into what drives us, and shine a light on what makes our lives feel purposeful!
Studies have shown that employees are 47% more productive when working from home, but this doesn’t come without challenges.
Melinda Gates, Philanthropist and Co-founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, states, "How we work has changed dramatically. It's not just where we work, but how we communicate, collaborate, and balance all the demands of our lives."
As more companies make shifts toward fully remote workforces, it is important to have tools that make teams feel connected and engaged more than ever. Heather Willems, TwoLine Studios Founder, has created the most useful tools to keep people engaged in workshop sessions. These concepts can be applied to workshops, meetings, conferences, and many other events to keep the audience's attention and engagement.
Digital visual notes by Heather Willems for the Remote-First podcast
We have worked with Warren Rustand, CEO, Public Speaker, and Author, several times over the past decade. He often notes that having a clear vision is key to the success of any project. Now more than ever, leaders need to have a clear vision to support not only their clients but their teams. Rustand offers three insights to having a clear vision.
Connect with your team’s values and ensure they align with the success of the project.
Create time and space to do the deep work with your team and explore what is next.
Communicate often and with discipline to ensure projects successes.
In a recent interview with Heather Willems, TwoLine’s founder, she reflected on how she puts Mr. Rustand's into action when guiding remote teams.
1. Check In
Heather recommends starting remote conversations using a one word check-in. At the beginning of a meeting, ask each team member to describe how they are feeling in their body with a single word. At TwoLine Studios, we have noticed that gives us great insight as to where people are emotionally. It also helps to put assumptions aside and see the holistic person behind the pretty face on the screen.
2. Agree on the Purpose
Kick-off virtual meetings by communicating the purpose of the meeting and what is hoped to be achieved. Use direct communication and meaningful interactions. Knowing why the group is in the meeting instantly focuses attention and can minimize distractions.
3. Draw Out Your Objectives
What do you want to cover in the meeting? Have a list of discussion topics that team members must address. It seems simple but doing this in advance of the meeting can ensure that the conversation stays aligned with the purpose of the session. Completing this stage in a remote team meeting helps stay engaged and builds trust.
4. Shared Agreements
When we lead ½ day innovation sessions or team strategy meetings we often start with shared agreements about how we want to “show up” for one another on the call. One of Heather’s favorite agreements is the improved concept of “Yes, And”. Whether a virtual presentation, workshop, or one-on-one Zoom call, agree to listen to the person speaking and build upon their idea with the phrase “Yes, And”. It helps to efficiently expand ideas and keep the communication flowing. This tool helps leaders see new possibilities while making people feel heard.
“Yes, And” hand-painted sign by Seamus Liam O’Brien
5. Identify the Individual's Skills and Needs to Clarify the Next Steps
It is important to build a community where team members feel they add value to the company. Whether it be one-on-one meetings or small group discussions, asking people where they feel their skills can create the greatest impact on the next step will build accountability as action is taken toward the shared goal.
Heather has discovered these tools help clients connect around a shared purpose, creating accountability and ownership, and helping teams feel seen and heard while working remotely or when working together.
Invite TwoLine to design and facilitate your next innovation session or strategy meeting, click below and give us a call today.
Two Line Studios has been helping brands communicate virtually for years. Our facilitator-led sessions implement a Clarity Through Creativity®™ approach using visuals, storytelling, and creative inspiration — even when getting together in-person is not possible. Subscribe to our newsletter below for more tools around facilitating crucial conversations.