As managers, we all need to be better planners by making sure our team is part of the process and buys into the plan. As part of our research on how to hold better planning meetings, we looked into various industry studies and landed on these top 5 tactics to produce better outcomes.
Plan in person
Yes, Zoom and Teams made getting teams together a mouse click away, but research has shown you’re more likely to reach a desired outcome when you plan in person. For example, according to Entrepreneur, you are ten times more likely to close a deal when you meet face to face. Fact is, humans are social animals and it’s often in the “soft edges” of meetings that real breakthrough ideas spark and interpersonal chemistry makes the sum greater than the parts.
Put away your devices
On average, a person looks at their smartphone 220 times a day. That can be distracting when group focus is the name of the game. But instead of banning devices altogether, let folks know you’ve scheduled short breaks throughout the meeting for responding to emails or texts.
Meet offsite
Sure, it’s easy to go to the office, but a recent study from the Moller Institute found that almost 70% of professionals prefer planning meetings offsite where there is less distraction, more privacy and a new perspective from the fresh environment. But don’t do planning sessions in spaces like coffee shops, where distractions are high and privacy is low. Instead, try a by-the-hour, on-demand meeting solution like Just Boardrooms to find a meeting place that fits your needs, suits your style and leaves your guests impressed.
Come prepared
Make sure your attendees know the agenda and their roles, and are assigned any homework well in advance of the meeting so when they get there, they’re ready to go. It’s also great to give each person a role and responsibility for the session to keep them engaged and the meeting focused and efficient.
Facilitate. Don’t dominate
If you’re running the meeting, especially if you’re the senior manager, create lots of room for others to contribute. Don’t let your agenda dissuade others from putting forth their own ideas or opinions. Most plans fizzle when a leader creates an echo chamber, forcing others to do something because they’re told to, rather than genuinely buying into it. It takes a village to create a successful plan.
Get ahead and stay ahead
The beginning of the year is often the busiest time as you and your team plan and implement 2024’s plans. Make the most of your planning by adopting these proven strategies, used by Fortune 500 CEOs to start up entrepreneurs, to get ahead and stay ahead of the competition. Book your meeting space today on www.justboardrooms.com!
