3 Steps Framework to Go From Boring to Brilliant Collaborative Meetings
Discover How Lean Coffee Transforms Zombie Meetings into Dynamic, Results-driven Collaborations
Have you ever been to a meeting where it felt like everyone was going through the motions, waiting for the clock to strike the hour? I know I have.
It's like sitting down at a restaurant for a meal where you have no say in what's being served—it's there, you consume it, but it doesn't satisfy your hunger. That's the epitome of an agenda-led meeting.
Now, don't get me wrong, agendas have their place. They give structure, keep things on track, and ensure objectives are met. But sometimes, they can stifle the creativity and engagement you strive for.
A Perspective Change
Let me tell you about a different kind of meeting experience I had, one that completely changed my perspective. It was at a Master Mind group I'm part of, where we gathered to support each other in our professional journeys.
We tried something called Lean Coffee, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer.
What I loved about Lean Coffee was how it let us take control. It was like walking into a kitchen with a group of friends, each bringing their favorite ingredients and choosing -together -what to use to cook up something unique that makes our taste buds salivate.
Lean Coffee has a simple framework:
Setup a Kanban board
Identify what you want to talk about
Vote & Discuss
Here's how it works:
1- Set up the Kanban Board
Kanban Board: Think of it as your recipe book. You create columns like "To Do," "Doing," "Done," and "Actions" to organize topics and tasks.
Invite Participants: Everyone gets a seat at the table. Encourage them to think about topics they're itching to discuss.
Start the Meeting: Briefly explain the Lean Coffee format and how the Kanban board will be your guide.
2- Identify what you want to talk about
Generate Topics: Give everyone a chance to jot down their ideas on sticky notes. From project updates to brainstorming sessions, everything's fair game.
Vote & Discuss
Vote on Topics: Each sticky note gets a vote. The more votes, the juicier the topic. Choose the top five topics to discuss.
Timeboxing and Discussion: Set a timer and dive in. Keep the conversation flowing while making sure everyone gets a chance to speak.
Capture Action Items: As ideas simmer into actions, move them to the "Actions" column. Assign responsibilities like you're handing out cooking tasks.
What’s Next
Review and Reflect: Take a step back and admire the spread. Summarize what you've cooked up and what's left on the menu.
Follow-Up: Assign someone to keep tabs on the action items. You're not just cooking; you're ensuring the meal gets served.
Gather Feedback: Before you say adios, let's hear what everyone thought. What spices could we add next time?
Iterate: Take those feedback spices and sprinkle them in for next time. It's all about refining the recipe.
And there you have it—a recipe for a meeting that's anything but bland.
Lean Coffee isn't just for staff meetings; it's a way to bring flavor, engagement, and collaboration to any gathering. Did you say beer party? Why not.
So next time you're stuck in a meeting rut, why not spice things up with Lean Coffee? Your taste buds—and your team—will thank you.