Beyond Power & Compliance

In a world where hybrid work is becoming the norm, meetings have multiplied. But rather than fostering connection, modern meetings are becoming the spaces where power gets asserted, compliance (re)enforced, and toxic rituals that reinforce the worst of leadership practices are displayed. As a result, meetings are zapping value, momentum and creativity, leaving people disengaged and burned out.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

For our people, customers and clients, we must transform meetings into spaces of connection, shared purpose, and contribution. When meetings evolve into “we-etings,” they become moments of belonging and collaboration. The rituals of an organization's meetings should be ensuring participants leave feeling seen, heard, and valued.

Here are actionable strategies for turning your next meeting into a “we-eting”:

1. Crowdsource the Agenda

Start by moving away from top-down meeting structures. Instead of one person controlling the agenda, invite input from all attendees ahead of time. Ask the group what they believe should be discussed or solved. This not only generates more buy-in but also ensures that the meeting addresses real needs.

Example: Use tools like Google Forms or Slack polls before the meeting to gather agenda items. Prioritize based on urgency and relevance to the group.

2. Ensure Multiple Voices Are Heard

In many meetings, only a few voices dominate the conversation. And it tends to default to the HiPPO (Highest Paid Person's Opinion) driving the agenda and the decisions. Combat this by actively encouraging everyone to contribute by having various members own different parts of the agenda.

Example: Implement “round robin” discussions where everyone gets a turn to speak, or use breakout groups to allow smaller discussions where all participants can contribute.

3. Offer Various Forms of Participation

Not everyone excels in verbal discussions. Some people may be better at expressing their thoughts in writing or prefer smaller, more intimate conversations. Offering multiple modes of participation allows everyone to contribute meaningfully.

Example: During meetings, provide a shared document where participants can jot down their thoughts, or open with smaller breakout rooms before bringing ideas back to the larger group. This creates opportunities for both introverted and extroverted participants to shine.

4. Collaborate During the Meeting

Meetings shouldn't just be updates; they should be work sessions where collaboration happens in real-time. Dedicate part of the meeting to working together on a project or brainstorming ideas as a group, and save the report outs for asynchronous communication.

Example: If there’s a problem to solve, split into teams to come up with solutions. Use tools like Miro and Google Docs for collaboration in real time.

5. Foster Belonging

Leaders have the power to turn meetings into moments of belonging. Many of us are struggling with isolation in these times, and are looking to the workplace for a sense of connection and purpose. By acknowledging contributions, celebrating small wins, and making space for authentic contributions and expressions, we can support people feel that their presence matters.

Example: Open meetings with a quick round of “wins” where each participant shares a small achievement, either personal or professional. This sets a positive tone and builds connection.

By incorporating these practices, we can elevate the quality of meetings, transforming them into collaborative spaces that cultivate creativity, purpose and connection. In doing so, you don’t just meet; you create a space where people feel respected, engaged, and empowered to contribute their best ideas.