Jan 4, 2022
How to kick off 2022 successfully
Why your old approach of project leadership needs an update
Happy New Year 2022. Next stop: Kick-Off meetings.
The importance of kick-off meetings is well-known. Back in the “good old days”, these events could easily be considered a concert, a party or both. Then, the compliance departments entered the organisational world and quickly, the meetings were not as much fun as they were before. Compliance has not done anything wrong here. However, we know that besides fact-based content, any good meeting or start of a project also needs a social connection.
How can your organisation start the new ventures for 2022 successfully?
Organisation
The wish to meet somewhere outside the usual office setting is common (hint: stick to pandemic regulations — always!). The location choice is crucial as it sets the tone for the event, communicates the importance of the upcoming tasks, and (hopefully) offers space for networking and social connections. Another thought crosses the executives’ minds: save money by making people come to the event outside of working hours. Let’s think of one question: when you ask your employees what they prefer to do in their spare time, where do you think “off-site corporate kick-off event including long travel time” ranks? Exactly.
Do not invade people’s private lives by socially forcing them to work for free only because you consider it a good idea. Most people, who are not leaders and do not plan to become one, do not see work as the central aspect of their life. We have to respect that.
Kick-off meetings happen during your working time (if not, compensate adequately). Choose an excellent location. Only an excellent investment here will be worth your time and effort, as any cheapskate mentality will lead to a negative outcome.
Contribution
Please refrain from making the event a show about the people who have their voice heard all the time: leaders. The upcoming tasks and projects involve everyone from the board of directors to the operational staff. Make voices heard which have not been heard before. Allow people to raise concerns and criticise. Do not deliver polished or rehearsed presentations as people leave the room (physically or mentally) once they know you only deliver a memorised speech that someone else wrote for you. It makes you look like a “parrot speaker” who repeats words they do not even understand.
Every part of the organisation which is involved must be heard. Large groups can be represented by their elected officials. Invite your partners and suppliers as well. Only when everyone is on the same page about the upcoming projects, the outcome will be a contribution from everyone to reach an excellent result.
Execution
When planning your event, leave enough room for flexibility. Especially discussion rounds can quickly go longer than planned but add the highest value to the whole meeting.
Be sure to only work with professionals. Choose an excellent location, hire professional event staff, hosts, speakers and refrain from going for any dubious cheap pseudo-solution.
Remember: people will remember any bad experience more and longer than a positive one. You will have to deliver the perfect experience to receive a perfect result concerning future challenges, tasks and projects.
More on successful kick-offs, a successful start to the new year
and more in this week’s podcast: click here to listen and learn.
Making your new ventures and projects successful is crucial for you?
Let’s talk: NB@NB-Networks.com.
