Neuroinclusive meetings what an excellent recipe looks like.
Neuroinclusive meetings can be an excellent opportunity to share ideas and collaborate with team members. However, poorly run meetings can sometimes feel like a waste of time and even create unnecessary stress. This is especially true for neurodiverse individuals who may benefit from additional preparation time.
With the right “ingredients,” you can create productive and inclusive meetings for everyone. Let’s explore the recipe for the perfect meeting!
Agendas for neuroinclusive meetings
Send the agenda out at least twenty-four hours in advance. This helps reduce anxiety by letting everyone know what’s expected of them and what they must do to prepare. It also forces you, the meeting organiser, to be structured with your thoughts so you know what you want to say and what outcome you’d like to achieve from the meeting.
NB: If you need to make last-minute changes, don’t do it often; if you do, clarify why it’s different.
Be clear
Be clear about the purpose of the meeting and what each participant is expected to contribute. Give people the option to decline if their attendance isn’t essential, and ensure that only those who genuinely need to be there are included. Politely but firmly exclude those who aren’t necessary, even if they insist on joining.
In the words of Brene Brown,” Clear is kind; unclear is unkind”.
Be specific
Be clear about the specific length of the meeting and stick to it. Ideally, allow enough time for everyone to get there and for them to leave and visit the restroom or grab a coffee before their next meeting.
Make it clear
Communicate with those attending and ensure that only those who make a valuable contribution are invited. There’s no sense in having people present with nothing to contribute or do more urgent work than necessary. Clearly outline the meeting’s objectives and the intended outcomes for everyone involved so participants know why they are there.
Location
Ensure everyone knows where the neuroinclusive meeting will be held, whether online or face-to-face, especially if new people are coming.
(If it’s on Zoom and you’ve been using Teams for the last six months, you may need to update your software, which can take extra time.).
Food for neuroinclusive meetings
If the meeting is going ahead during mealtimes, ensure you’ve worked out how people will refuel themselves. I often rule that I won’t attend a meeting during lunchtime, especially if decent biscuits aren’t available… I’m working on this with many people.
Limit smells
Encourage your team to be considerate about smells. Some smells can be overpowering for neurodiverse individuals; for example, solid perfumes and aftershaves can make it difficult for some people to concentrate.
Dress code for neuroinclusive meetings
If it’s informal, keep it informal, but let them know if there are any expectations regarding what people need to wear.
Wrap up the meeting
It is always a good idea to reserve time at the end of the meeting to recap what was discussed, confirm the agreed actions, and clarify who will be responsible for carrying them out. This ensures everyone leaves with a clear understanding of the next steps.
I hope these tips inspire you to transform unstructured meetings into productive and successful collaborations. Remember, great meetings often come from a willingness to experiment and refine. Don’t hesitate to try new approaches and seek feedback on the best way to discover what works so you can continuously improve.
