1. Shake things up a bit. If you run the meeting and suspect that it has become routine and predictable (and wonderfully efficient I imagine. However, it now comes at a cost: your attendees' souls), try something different. ANYTHING. Change the agenda sequence; bring cakes; let people swear once, with real venom, when describing their blockers. Maybe even share personal triumphs or rant-worthy moments! Mentioning what's happening outside work should not be forbidden; it may add some relatability and humour.
2. Meeting or not meeting? Consider if you actually need to have a meeting at all. The best meeting is short and effective; the second best meeting is the one that doesn't happen in the first place because it's clearly unnecessary.
3. Make it short and sweet. Set the tone early: shorter is better. If your update is a lovely "Everything's going well," spare us the epic saga. No need to prove your worth; we already know you're awesome.
Okay, maybe these aren't groundbreaking strategies, but implementing them? That's where the real revolution begins.
(Your teams might not express their gratitude with actual words, but deep down, they'll appreciate the change. Possibly.)
[Photo by Sander Sammy on Unsplash]
