If you open a meeting with icebreakers, end with these wrap-up equivalents for better closure
I learned last year that many people are interested in actively using icebreakers to kickstart meetings. I couldn’t believe the positive response I received when I wrote about them last year, and again a few months ago.
Opening workshops and sessions intentionally can go a long way in setting the stage for the work ahead, so when
Janice Harayda
asked me if I had related suggestions for thoughtful meeting-closers, I was excited to dig into my toolkit and share my favorite methods for ending a workshop or meeting with purpose.If you’re looking for a more meaningful and actionable way to wrap up meetings, take a look at these 5 options for closing your next session. They’re organized based on the scenarios meeting leaders and facilitators often find themselves in, with practical advice for each.
If you’re looking for a more meaningful and actionable way to wrap up meetings, take a look at these 5 options for closing your next session. They’re organized based on the scenarios meeting leaders and facilitators often find themselves in, with practical advice for each.
2. When you want to help people feel more included and connected to the work
How to wrap up: After you clearly state the next steps, leave the door open for additional thoughts and conversation. I like to tell teams, “Next we’re going to do X, Y and Z, but if you have other thoughts please email me with your ideas or action items when you think of them.”
Why it works: In contrast to the Horizons method (which is more of an in-the-moment, tactical exercise), this option makes next steps feel more like an open conversation that creates space for honest input and continued dialogue. This is important because things get missed and people get tired after an intense day of meeting, but the offer to let people follow up leaves the door open to other ideas and critical inputs that didn’t come up in the moment.
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