Simple tips to have a productive team conversation:
1) Use our Team Discussion Tool
We've created a tool that you can use live during the discussion. Check out a demo here - no need to prep a powerpoint!
Just click to start and it will give you a step-by-step framework for using during the discussion, and your team's results are automatically pre-populated. Here's a guide to use it!
2) Everyone knows the goal.
Start by reiterating the goal of the discussion.
You can return to this goal to orient the conversation if things get off track.
3) Everyone contributes.
Tell the team that everyone’s reflections and ideas are important for the team as a whole.
Start and end the meeting with a go-around to hear from each person.
4) Everyone is heard.
Demonstrate active listening: thank people when they speak and echo back to them what you’ve heard.
Record ideas in the Discussion Tool, or a shared document with the team.
Disagreement and tension can be valuable: take time to explore areas of disagreement.
5) Everyone understands the action items.
Action items should be aligned with the goal of the discussion.
Action items should be specific and measurable.
The group should agree together on actions that the whole group will take.
Individuals should determine their own follow-up actions.
Finally, for a longer version of our tips, we have a more comprehensive guide for running team conversations here.