How to create an event worth going to

If we’ve learned anything through the pandemic, we’ve realized that we need to be more intentional in our meetings, especially face-to-face ones.

For many, working from home has shown us the benefits of these arrangements:

• Less trips
• More comfort
• More convenience
• More productivity (sometimes!)

It is not true for all situations, but it is true for many. Enough to consider a mixed work arrangement for the future.

It means that meeting in the future, in person, in small or large groups, will have to be for a VERY good reason if it is to take off our sweatpants and slippers.

There are significant benefits of face-to-face meetings, especially for teams, and they are all biochemicals:

Oxytocin: It is the neurotransmitter that makes us feel good that we get from human contact (a handshake, a hug, a pat on the back). It is also launched in well-connected teams and in moments of connection. These moments are best nurtured in person. We can use all of our subconscious body language sensors to indicate intimacy and trust. And when we have physical proximity, our neurochemistry can get in sync, especially if those teams have strong systems and a structure around interactions to create team security.

Serotonin: Another feel-good neurotransmitter that is activated with recognition and elevation of state. When we are recognized by our boss or colleagues, or when we see that others are recognized, we get an increase in serotonin and a wonderful feeling of well-being invades us. Being around others physically amplifies the feeling.

Dopamine– That’s the little buzz we get from completing a task, doing something, finding something, recognizing a pattern, or solving a problem. When we do this together, the hum is electric and amplified.

Endorphins– In addition to exercise and sex (use your judgment as to their suitability in the workplace!), we get a lot of endorphins when we cry and when we laugh. When this happens collectively, the relief after release creates a sense of connection that is extraordinary.

Cortisol and adrenalineThese are stress hormones designed for quick bursts of energy during times of stress or intense activity. It can trigger survival responses (which is not good for teamwork).

Noradrenaline: similar to cortisol and adrenaline in their effect. It is the same feeling, whether we view something as threatening or exciting. Pro Tip: Reframe an experience as exciting rather than threatening and you’ll stay in a productive state.

So when planning your meetings, as the CEO, here is what to consider:

• Every meeting has a purpose.
• Each meeting has a meaning.
• Every meeting has feelings.

We need to cultivate waves of meaning and feeling at each meeting. This is the art of being a neuro-leader!

Here are four meeting types to master:

Cultural encounters

These are best for elevated levels of oxytocin and serotonin. Design activities for:

• Celebration
• Community
• Connection

Strategy meetings

These are best for norepinephrine and dopamine – building excitement and finding solutions and patterns. To explore:

• Team and business object.
• Potential for the skill and ability of the team.
• Possibility of new achievements for the team and the business.

Change meetings

These are best for relieving stress hormones like cortisol, adrenaline, and norepinephrine when faced with the unknown. Articulate with others:

• Gap between now and the next.
• Map through the gap.
• Message to guide us.

Productivity meetings

These are great for dopamine and norepinephrine – find solutions, get traction, and move on. Create activities to:

• Problem resolution
• Planning
• Marking progress

Meetings that are just for updates? Seriously, we have better things to do with our time. Unless we are making a meeting purposeful, meaningful and
neurochemistry-laden experience, don’t bother.

What meetings are you planning? How can you make them more powerful with intentional amplification of biochemicals?

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