Ending Your Meetings on a Positive Note: 7 Creative Ideas

Intro

Start-up culture impacted the way companies do business. Remember that office work in the United States took off in the 1950s. 

For several decades, the office cubicle culture became the norm. Then, individuals starting their companies in the early 2000s saw a different way of completing business.

As companies grow, staff members become dispersed and many. Plus, executives have more information to share. Thus the number of meetings held increased.

Company meetings remain an important mode of communication. Even when the news shared during a gathering is tough, end the meeting on a good note.

Here we explore seven creative ideas that help you end your meetings on a positive note.

1. Give Some Shoutouts

Recognition is a human need. Even in small companies, staff members appreciate the acknowledgment of their contributions. To end a meeting on a creative and positive note, consider giving some shoutouts.

Shoutouts are the equivalent of certificates and plaques. Although it’s not a tangible item that they take home, it’s a gesture that provides a surge of dopamine.

Acknowledge new ideas, someone who overcame a challenging task, or contribution to the company’s bottom line. Some companies acknowledge personal achievements too. Thus a new marriage, an addition to the family, or a milestone birthday are shoutouts worthy.

2. Outline a Plan of Action

Change is scary. If the company is heading in a new direction, it means that job consolidation or pay cuts are on the horizon. Therefore employees seek reassurance.

Consider ending a serious meeting by outlining a plan of action. Even though some staff members may lose their jobs, offer them enough time to make peace with it. Maybe they know that their time with the company has reached the ceiling. 

Outlining a plan of action allows them to decide their direction. They may decide to seek a new opportunity.

3. Develop a Cheer

A company operates better if all members buy into the mission. It helps to have a mantra that connects them. 

The sales team is the highest energy group in any company. Adding a cheer after their meetings maintains that level. For other departments, keep it simple. 

A “Go team” or “1-2-3 [insert company name]” works well.

Some companies ring the bell while others have a move that everyone completes together. The goal is to get employees out of their shells. 

You’ll find that some team members are introverts. However, they are members of the company. Their participation is important too for team-building purposes.

4. Insert Music

It helps if the person leading the meetings is also personable. Individuals with comedic timing thrive in public speaking opportunities. 

Some meetings require a professional tone. It still helps to liven it up at the close.

Another creative way to close gatherings on a positive note is to insert music. This works well in large gathering sessions. The music signals that it’s over. It gives attendees a moment to mingle amongst each other while the music plays. Once the music stops, they understand that it’s time to get back to work.

If you want to rally the troops, consider playing “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor or the theme song from Rocky.

5. Lead into Lunch

People have to eat. Closing a meeting and offering lunch right after is a great way to close the gathering. Lunch doubles as a reward for attending the gathering, especially if the company provides it.

Studies show that corporate lunch programs increase productivity. They encourage collaboration and decrease employee turnover. 

If you’re interested in learning more about hosting a group lunch business meeting, Hotel Engine offers additional tips. 

6. Offer a Relevant Statistic

Every business gathering requires a purpose. Sometimes the meetings cover sensitive topics that stir up emotions among attendees. 

Remind the group of the phenomenal year the company had. If the meeting covers changes coming to the company, offer a statistic that shows success. If staff members understand that the new processes lead to improved productivity, pay, or benefits, buy-in from them is more likely.  

7. Set Up the Next Meeting

A great way to close a business gathering is to set up the next meeting. If each gathering is an extension of the next, it ties in the relevancy of holding them. 

You can also give the team a puzzle or riddle to mull over until the team gets together again. 

For daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly meetings, your job is to create a cliffhanger. You want to keep the audience interested. Announcing a guest speaker, special visitor, or important milestone builds anticipation.

Conclusion

Ending a meeting on a positive note helps integrate the build-break-build method. By ending the gathering on a good note, the staff receives a rush of dopamine. It helps them continue their day. Plus, they will look forward to the next one.