As the new year starts many leaders want to engage their teams in strategy discussions and goal planning.  In their zeal to get to the work of determining goals and writing action plans, leaders often over look a few key ingredients you should add when designing the meeting.

1. A dash of relationship building –  This is important to encourage trust and openness among the team members.  Clients often want to cut this part from the agenda, often due to time constraints, and I always hold firm.  After the fact they always see the value.  So if you’re planning a meeting here is one you can try:

Mandala –  Give each person a sheet of plan paper or if there is space, give each person a flip chart page and have them do this activity at the wall.  Give people markers and ask them to draw a large circle divided into 3 sections.  Then draw images that represent their answers to the questions.  I usually ask:

What is a talent you bring to the team?

What is a core value you hold?

What personal interests or hobbies do you have?

Give them 10 minutes to complete it.

Then each person shares with the group.  Allow two minutes per person for sharing. In that short amount of time, team members learn about each other as people and can start to see connections with their peers that enable relationships to deepen.

2. A pinch of experiential learning – Give the group an opportunity for shared learning by including an interactive activity.  Depending on the length of the meeting, where on the agenda you place this type of activity can vary.  Sometimes I’ll include it after the opening activity, but I’ve also done this type of activity following lunch or at the end of the session.  Here are two different activities that I frequently use.

Helium Stick –link to directions

The Perfect Square – link to directions

The debriefing of the activity helps to surface issues around communication, trust, cooperation, execution and leadership.  Given time and space for discussion, team members can increase awareness around the role they play in the team and about team dynamics.

3. A sprinkle of reflection and commitment – Include a meaningful way to close the meeting that allows for reflection and commitment by team members.  Often I will have them write on an index card, how they personally will contribute to the team’s success in achieving the goals.  Then each person reads their commitment aloud to the group.  This reinforces the need for everyone to work together and hold each other accountable.

When these secret ingredients are part of a meeting analyzing where the team has been, where they are going and how they are going to get there you have a recipe for success. Team members will leave the meeting inspired, engaged and connected.  What could you do to enhance your next strategic planning session or team meeting?  If you have a tip or activity to share, please leave it in the comments section.

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