One day, a member of the association raised a concern to me. People were not as engaged in meetings, rarely providing ideas or raising issues to help the association run smoothly.
I was fortunate to become a board member, and in my first few meetings, I noticed the same thing. The atmosphere was dull, and discussions felt like a formality. People listened to reports and moved quickly through the agenda without questioning or contributing. Then, I decided to ask a few questions. To my surprise, others followed suit. The engagement shifted from passive listening to active discussion, and the energy in the room changed.
If we find ourselves in meetings that lack energy, and we as hosts encourage a culture of engagement, it is essential to explicitly state that participation is welcomed. When people raise issues, their input should be valued, regardless of whether their suggestions are implemented. More importantly, when possible, the host should provide clear action steps to explore the suggestions further.
If the meeting host does not actively encourage engagement, members may fear authority and hesitate to speak up, worrying that their suggestions might upset leadership. However, when we create an environment where ideas and concerns are acknowledged, whether they are used or not, we build trust, collaboration, and a sense of ownership among members.
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