Building productive teamsSetting clear expectations
4 step structure for meetings
4 step structure for meetings
5 minutes
Creating productive and meaningful meetings can significantly impact team morale and productivity. Implementing a structured approach ensures every meeting is both efficient and engaging. Here’s a refined 4-step structure to transform your meetings:
1
Personal check-In
Start meetings on a personal note to build rapport and foster a supportive environment. Asking about weekends, family, or personal updates shows you care about team members beyond their work roles. This initial step can set a positive tone and encourage openness.
For example:
- How was your weekend?
- How’s the family?
- What’s happening in your world?
- How was your weekend?
- How’s the family?
- What’s happening in your world?
2
Work in review/recap
Shift focus to professional achievements and challenges. Review progress against last week's goals, celebrating wins and analysing what went well.
Discuss obstacles and less successful endeavors to understand what can be improved.
For example:
- How have you tracked against your goals from last week?
- What were your wins?
- What went well?
- What didn’t go so well?
- What got in the way?
- How have you tracked against your goals from last week?
- What were your wins?
- What went well?
- What didn’t go so well?
- What got in the way?
3
Forward focus
Looking ahead, encourage team members to outline their priorities and strategies for the coming week. For example:
- What is your focus/ priority for the week?
- How do you plan to approach this challenge?
- What do you anticipate might get in the way?
- What work arounds or strategies can you try?
- What support do you need from me?
- What is your focus/ priority for the week?
- How do you plan to approach this challenge?
- What do you anticipate might get in the way?
- What work arounds or strategies can you try?
- What support do you need from me?
4
Personal wrap-up
Conclude with a moment of reflection on the discussion, offering insights and feedback on shared progress and achievements. This final step reinforces the value of each team member's contributions and sets a constructive path forward.
By integrating these four steps into your meeting structure, you can create a more engaging, productive, and supportive team environment. This method ensures that meetings are not just a procedural necessity but a valuable opportunity for team development and building accountability.
by
Hellomonday