The most driven teams have their direction and goals aligned early on in the process. This can be accomplished by holding an innovation meeting for your company or organization. Including everyone involved in early planning is the most effective strategy in the long run, especially with smaller teams. By practicing open collaboration, everyone feels responsible, takes ownership of their goals, and taps into the team’s knowledge and expertise. Here are some top ideas to make your next innovation meeting successful.
Idea Sharing without Judgement
With hierarchies of command and diverse mindsets, creating a culture where new observations are freely shared can be challenging. However, company visions are carefully crafted by leadership, and innovation can originate from anywhere. Allow your employees or team members to pitch new ideas, regardless of their status in the company. Encourage all members to participate and let them know all voices are welcome. Creating an open meeting culture with diverse perspectives can bring many innovative ideas.
What Environment is Best Suited for Success?
Meetings can occur in various environments, from a traditional conference room to a unique offsite setting. With access to the right technology, materials, and comfortability, Canterbury has meeting rooms to accommodate all meeting forums and sizes. Consider all factors for your team when choosing the right location for your company’s next innovative event.
Create a Set of Regulations
Out-of-hand meetings don’t help your team be more productive or creative. Confusion can result in team members speaking at the same time or entering into debate. Establishing “road rules” that limit each person’s speaking time will help prevent team members from dominating the conversation and keep ideas flowing. Set the rules and distribute them to all attendees before the meeting.
Have a Strong Facilitator
One person, preferably involved in planning the innovation meeting, should act as the facilitator. The facilitator should be familiar with the visual tools being used and closely involved in directing the conversation. Team members should reiterate the goals and objectives of the session at the beginning of the meeting. Throughout the meeting, the facilitator will explain the rules to the attendees and keep everyone on task. The facilitator should also ensure the group sticks to the set schedule and timing, driving the pace of the meeting.
Walk Away with Action Items
Before ending your meeting, reiterate with your team what action items they need to complete to meet the goals discussed during the meeting. Challenge them to specify a timeline and assign what tasks need to be done. Have a whiteboard, sticky notes, or flipchart available so everyone understands what needs to be completed. Integrate the action items into your company’s daily or weekly routine to ensure goals are met by the appropriate deadlines.
Check-in With Your Team
Teamwork makes the dream work! Don’t let the motivation of the innovation meeting wane over time. Schedule the next team meeting so your team can continue to make progress and discuss any changes needed to succeed. Scheduled regular check-ins to verify that the team has progressed on the agreed-upon action items as discussed.
Let Canterbury Conference Center Host Your Next Innovation Meeting!
Excellent customer service is Canterbury Conference Center’s goal. We are located just outside Orlando, in Oviedo, Florida, far enough away to give you some peace and seclusion but still close enough to enjoy all its amenities and attractions. Our quiet charm and top industry professionals will make your stay at Canterbury relaxing and memorable. Our staff and facilities can provide what you need, whether your company is here for an innovation meeting or a retreat, or you and your family are planning a private event like a corporate retreat or reunion. To learn more about Canterbury Conference Center, contact us through our website or call our Director of Sales at (407) 542-5929.
