Other Meeting Structures That Don’t Suck

So, you read Part 1 How to Structure Meetings That Don’t Suck and maybe you have tried on our wellness infused agenda for your internal meetings but are still left feeling like “Is this all there is, conference rooms and zoom boxes??? There has to be a better way.”  We agree! Meetings should build connection and be productive. But sometimes you just have to remix the format to get the most out of it. Here are some not-so-radical alternative structures that could help to further revolutionize your meetings.

“Walk & Talk” Check-ins 

Not every meeting has to be held in the main office or the zoom room. A “walk and talk” meeting is not only a great way to break up the monotony, it can also have tremendous physical and mental health benefits. Why not get outside? Studies show that it only takes 5+ minutes in nature to significantly and positively impact your psychological and physiological well being. 

So get out there! Move your body, get some Vitamin D, feel the sun on your face, breathe in that fresh air. Step away from the computer screen, and still get your job done!

Here’s how we do it:

Step 1: Agree to a “walk and talk” meeting with a colleague 

These are best suited for a check in, brainstorm, or mental/verbal processing meeting that don’t require you to take extensive notes or work in files.

Step 2: Set a 10 min timer on both of your phones

Step 3: Shift out of the conference room or zoom room, and onto your phones

(earphones help too!)

Step 4: Pace in your yard, circle the block, or even walk the halls if you can’t get outside

Step 5: Regroup at the computer for a brief closing to write down any notes or action items

Busting Procrastination By Co-working 

Procrastination lives next door to fatigue and long to-do lists. You can eradicate the procrastination monster and even boost your wellbeing by co-working with a colleague. We get things done, but still have fun, and are able to decelerate into our evening without holding these looming “to-do’s” overhead. 

Step 1:  Notice where you procrastinate. We often make a practice of tracking those projects or tasks that get rolled over week-to-week. (“I’ll just do that later” three times in a month = a clear avoidance cue). 

Step 2: Schedule time with a colleague or ally to tackle those sticky spots in community. We co-regulate through the “hard” moments and this partnership in accountability has a funny way of “unsticking” us.  It also provides an opportunity to offer positive encouragement and influence each other to get the job done, ultimately boosting self esteem and team morale.

Step 3: Create intentional community agreements around how you want to integrate wellness and joy into the co-working session.  Set a positive intention at the outset to cast a vision for all that you will accomplish together. Get grounded using a somatic exercise. Bring snacks or a tasty beverage to share. Take collective breaks to pause and reset between tasks. 

Sometimes good thought partnership is all you need to see another way forward. 

Reflect & Take Action

How can wellness come alive in our meeting culture? Are there ways to center our “selves” in the agenda? What is one “collective care” move that would make our meetings feel more nourishing and meaningful?

Try on one of the meeting structures above. They may not work in every meeting context, but is there just one meeting this week that you can take while walking? Could you shake up the conference room by offering a somatic exercise or collective breath? How can you reframe this week's “icebreaker” questions to uplift your team’s identity or collaboration styles? Just try on one thing and see how it goes. We are rooting for you!