4 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Skip the Good News

Those of you familiar with our recommended meeting agendas know that we usually like to start most meetings with all team members sharing something positive. Our Daily Huddles, Weekly Adjustment Meetings, Monthly Meetings, and even planning sessions typically include either a round of good news or sharing victories and bright spots as way to kick off the meeting. To some of our more matter-of-fact clients, this can seem frivolous, and they may be tempted to skip this agenda item and move on to the “real” work. But, there’s a method to our madness. We recommend starting with good news for good reasons.

Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Skip the Good News:

• Gets everyone talking. Have you ever been to a meeting where one or two people talk the entire time, and nobody else really even opens their mouths? That’s not a productive use of your time. If you are all in the meeting, you should all be contributing, and starting with a round of good news or victories is an easy way to establish that rhythm of having everyone share. It’s a great way to break the ice without all the hoopla of some cheesy icebreakers.
• Sets the right energy and tone. When you start the meeting with good news or victories, you are setting a positive tone for the rest of your discussions. Even if the purpose of your meeting is to discuss a difficult issue or problem, starting with something positive and high energy can help carry that mindset through to the rest of your discussions and give your team a boost in creative problem-solving.
• Allows teams to connect. This connection is vital for team health and employee engagement. Making space to share good news (even personal good news when appropriate) helps your team members feel more connected to each other. This is important for virtual teams, but even people who sit right next to each other every day might not take the time to pick their head up out of their busy day to check in and learn a little about what’s happening in each others’ lives.
• Encourages recognition and motivation. If they know that they have to share a victory every day or every week, your team members will be looking for opportunities to be victorious. And, having a regular habit of recognition built into your meeting rhythms will help you ensure you don’t overlook this important driver of employee engagement, which is especially motivating for the millennials on your team.

As you are customizing your meeting agendas, remember to keep this important item in the list. It is time well-spent to engage and motivate your team and to make your meetings more effective.

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