From ME-etings to WE-tings: Cultivating Spaces for Collective Genius

In today's fast-paced world of hybrid/remote/decentralized work teams, meetings take up an increasing amount of an organization’s time, energy and money. However, most agree that the majority of meetings are time wasters - de-motivating, confusing and reinforcing toxic patterns. There's a vast difference between "ME-etings," where the usual suspect(s) dominate, often focusing on individual agendas or reports, and "We-etings," where collaboration isn’t just a word, but an action - a space of co-envisioning, co-creating, and connecting. The journey from ME-etings to We-etings is not just a shift in meeting format but a transformation in ethos and effectiveness of how organizations get their best work done.

From Reporting to Envisioning

ME-etings often revolve around updates, with little room for imagination or collective visioning. We-etings, on the other hand, invite participants into a shared space of possibility. The art of creating together can become a powerful catalyst for innovation and solution finding, turning the meeting room into a crucible for collective genius.

Problem Identifying vs. Solution Co-Creating

In ME-etings, problems are often presented for quick fixes, typically by those in leadership positions. Diagnostic questions are asked, and those with the “right” answers are rewarded. Diagnostic questions (e.g. What happens when we roll-out the next phase of the system customizations?) help us identify problems. This approach can stifle creativity and limit the range of solutions. We-etings embrace the complexity of challenges, recognizing that the wisdom to address them resides within the collective. Generative questions (e.g. How will we know we successfully implemented the requested system customizations?) help us identify solutions. Through generative dialogue and co-creation, solutions emerge that are richer and more comprehensive, often unveiling opportunities that were previously unseen.

So how do we begin to shift meetings to really work and leverage an organization’s people power?

Creating Spaces of Belonging

The transition to We-etings involves creating spaces where participants feel they belong and are essential contributors to the group's purpose. We do this by providing multiple ways to engage in the meeting’s focus - with dialogue, with space to write, with new media - and starting by connecting the people involved to one another, then the content before the strategizing, organizing and mobilizing that most meetings orient around. This looks like checking in with the hearts of the people in the room before diving into the heady stuff (e.g. quick questions to start meetings off, such as, “What do you need to say or do to be present and engaged in today’s conversation?” or, “Why is this conversation important to you?”).

A sense of belonging fosters deeper engagement and willingness to share and explore ideas courageously. In We-etings, the focus shifts from individual accomplishment to shared learning and sense making.

Embracing Diversity of Thought

We-etings thrive on the diversity of thought, recognizing that the most transformative ideas often emerge from the confluence of differing perspectives. We can uncover these differing perspective with homogenous groups or beautiful diverse groups, through the courage to question assumptions, listen beyond simply what’s being said (body language, tone, what’s being avoided), and inviting alternative ways to understand the issue at hand (such as using metaphoric thinking, role playing alternative realities, and taking the time to step into another stakeholder’s shoes).

A more inclusive approach ensures that the meeting space becomes a reflection of the broader world, filled with varied experiences and insights, not simply the echochamber of the HiPPO (High Paid Person’s Opinion). 

Cultivating Presence and Listening

The essence of We-etings lies in the quality of presence and listening. It's about being fully present with one another, listening deeply not just to respond but to understand and connect. This level of attentiveness fosters an environment where participants feel seen and heard, enabling a deeper dive into the matters at heart. Operating agreements that encourage curiosity over judgment, one person speaking at a timet and/or rewarding questions over statements are just a few qyas we can support a culture of deeper listening.

A Call to Action

The shift from ME-etings to We-etings is more than just a change in meeting structure—it's a transformation in the way we come together to imagine, create, and solve. By fostering spaces that prioritize collective wisdom, deep listening, and co-creation, we unlock the potential for profound connection and innovation. The path to We-etings invites us to rethink not just how we meet, but how we relate, collaborate, and grow together.

In embracing We-etings, we embark on a journey toward more meaningful, generative, and collaborative spaces where everyone is invited to envision, solve, create, and connect. The potential for what we can achieve together expands exponentially when we move beyond the confines of ME to the boundless possibilities of WE.