What does it take to make your culture of engagement planning meeting really hop?

This week’s posts cover the why’s, what’s and how’s of those special meetings that create your business’s engagement culture.

Yesterday we looked at why you want a special meeting. If you missed that post, here’s the link. Tomorrow we will distinguish the three types of meetings for your three types of engagement culture creators. You don’t want to miss that one.

So today, what do you need to make your meetings sing and zing? You don’t want your business culture to plod along, so you shouldn’t expect to build it at meetings that plod along.

Pre-plan. Spend ample time planning all aspects of your meeting. Check the questionnaire I’ve created to help you consider everything. And keep in mind these three keys:

1. Think twice (or more) about purpose and objectives of the meeting. First ideas are not usually the best ideas. Write down the purpose and list the objectives. Put them aside; then return to them in a few days. Any changes?
2. Identify participants. Positions and titles will determine many or most of your attendees. But don’t overlook those who have influence in your business. Every organization has both a formal and an informal culture. Those with influence (but maybe not title or authority) definitely impact your informal culture.
3. Consider the meeting’s atmosphere. Elements such as location, refreshments, seating arrangements, handouts and other materials may seem minor. In fact they have a subtle yet powerful impact on how (well) people relate to the meeting, its content, and its outcomes.

Prepare. Preparing is different from planning. Every participant should know what and how to get ready for the meeting. Yesterday’s post mentioned pre-meeting assignments and activities. That’s part of the preparation. In addition, attendees can explicitly prepare if they know what to expect, what they will be doing, what mindset and materials they can bring with them to the meeting. Check the questionnaire for additional tips.

Professionalize. Business culture is the fundamental personality of a business. It does not just include the values and standards and norms and behaviors the business espouses. It actualizes them. The more professional this creative meeting, the more professional your business culture.

Now, professional does not mean serious or rigid or “un-fun” (unless that is your business’s personality!). A professional meeting is attentive, focused, committed, meaningful, integrated. Your meeting can (and should) include lively, enjoyable activity and interaction, while at all times remaining pointed to its purpose and desired results. The questionnaire will give you more insights to professionalize your meeting.

Return tomorrow when we look at how to differentiate engagement culture planning meetings among the three key groups that  build and implement a culture of engagement.

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Tags: Communication, Employee Engagement, Executive, Leadership, Management