Business and staff meetings are not something that many members of the workforce look forward too. While these meetings are important in order to keep a company running smoothly, they are not always fun for those who have to participate in them. However, business owners and managers can now integrate technology based solutions into these traditional gatherings.
Blue Jeans allows clients to purchase the technology to create a fun meeting through video conferencing and cloud based solutions. Owners can also invest in mobile technology that allows the meetings to take place no matter where the owner or staff members are located.
Benefits of a Fun Meeting
The benefits of a fun meeting are numerous both for those involved in the meeting and the person or group of people running it. Fun meetings can result in happier workers. Happier workers are known to be more productive then workers who may not be pleased.
The meeting will seem to go faster. Remember the class in school that always seemed to drag on, no matter what kind of mood you were in? Well the same can be said for business and staff meetings. If they are boring, they will take longer to complete then if they are fun and interactive for all involved.
A meeting that is fun may also matter more too and stick with the members of the workforce longer after it adjourns. If you are looking to create an environment that matters, consider the design of the location, according to business week. Yes, this matters even in a virtual environment. Attendees may not be located in the same physical location, however holding the meeting with a background that allows for relaxed, but professional collaboration can go a long way in setting the tone for the proceedings.
Personal Connections
Take the time to create and nurture personal connections with everyone in attendance. Start some small chit-chat to break the ice and then focus on how each member can use their talents to bolster the agenda of the meeting. Give employees a chance to also create these connections. These connections can be created using ground rules set by the person in charge of the meeting, according to the Harvard Business Review.
Ground rules allow for everyone to be on the same page throughout the meeting. They keep a sense of professionalism in an otherwise fun environment. Some examples of these rules can include, but are certainly not limited to:
- Checking in with each other on a personal and professional level. Try and have each person highlight a recent professional success they have enjoyed.
- No multitasking allowed. Focus can quickly stray when in a virtual environment. Do not allow meeting attendees to stray from the task in front of them. Go through one item on the agenda at a time.
- Limit the use of the mute function. One major difference between a virtual meeting and an in person one is the use of the mute button. While many may want to leave some of their coworkers on mute permanently, this is not a good business practice. Not only is it unprofessional, but it also hinders engagement in collaboration activities.
Acknowledge Success
Everyone likes to be congratulated now and again. Set some time aside during the meeting to acknowledge successes achieved since the last time the group was together. Having their successes validated can boost an employee’s confidence and give them a sense of pride.
This can be accomplished in a variety of formats. Show a video or other multimedia presentation focused on the person, especially if they are marking a significant milestone in service to the company. This format can also be useful when talking about team members who will soon be retiring.
Game Time
A tried and true way to inject some fun into an otherwise potentially boring situation is to play a game. Whether it is at the beginning as an ice breaker or towards the end of the meeting as a way to send people off with a good taste in their mouth, games can play an important part in the success of a fun meeting. They can even be used as a team building activity, according to cc.gatech.edu.
Virtual meetings are no different than in person meetings in this thinking. The game choices may seem a little limited, but they do exist. Businesses should check with their collaboration software to see exactly what games are available to them.
Staff and other business meetings are not always the most fun part of an employee’s day. They serve a purpose though in allowing for collaboration in a team environment. If you are charged with planning the next meeting or get together, whether it’s a small group or with the entire workforce make sure to take the time to research how to inject fun into it.
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