Our students and colleagues often ask us how to motivate people to attend meetings. If you face a “motivational problem” in meetings that you convene or facilitate, please take a few moments to ask yourself some important questions.
Recall a meeting to which you were invited and felt really motivated to attend.
What was it about the invitation that contributed to your motivation?
- Did the topic interest you?
- Was it clear why your presence was important?
- Were the time and place convenient for you?
Then recall what happened when you arrived at that meeting.
What organizational and logistical elements motivated your participation?
- Did you feel welcome?
- Was the work plan (agenda and expected outcomes) clear?
- Did the meeting room have natural light and good ventilation?
- Was the coffee and refreshment table close at hand?
- Did the session begin and end on time?
Finally, recall your degree of satisfaction at the end of the meeting.
What elements of the experience contributed to your feeling that this was a good use of your time?
- Did you spend more time interacting with the ideas presented and the other participants than listening to speakers, or observing long, ritualistic protocols?
- Were the results of the meeting and the next steps clearly articulated?
- Did the meeting organizer express gratitude for the contributions of the group?
Now, apply the lessons from your own experience to the planning of the meetings that you convene or facilitate.
Personal motivation is directly related to the clarity and relevance of the initial invitation, the participatory dynamics during the event, and the usefulness of the meeting results.