It is a common routine in companies to organize meetings , more or less frequently, to discuss important elements such as the definition of the strategy, working methods but also the critical issues to be improved. For these reasons, meetings are often considered a real tool rather than a moment of sharing, exchange and/or discussion and, as such, makes us lose sight of the ability to build relationships.
A meeting deprived of the ability to connect with members is not only boring but also ineffective.
Organizing a different meeting than usual, in an informal location and accompanied by excellent food, is the best solution for involving and creating bonds.
The benefits of an informal meeting
Meetings are usually held in the company meeting room, the reason is mainly one: convenience, as well as having all the necessary tools at hand (from projectors to whiteboards); however, it influences the behavior of the members, because it is not possible to break the dynamics and the working climate. Or the meetings take place in prestigious locations which, by their very nature, require not only dress code but also a very formal code of conduct. In both cases the result does not change: the distances between people are not shortened and, rather than turning into a moment of constructive exchange, it remains a normal work commitment like all the others carried out on a daily basis.
An informal meeting in a suitable location and obviously equipped for this type of meeting has the opposite effect. A relaxed environment that stimulates the pleasure of being together creates emotional connections that are the basis for developing relationships between people. In other words, an informal meeting transforms a work commitment into a moment of pleasant company, eliminating the hierarchies that the company structure imposes.
Some ideas for organizing an informal meeting
A meeting organized mid-morning is much more productive and also offers the right opportunity to spend the lunch break together, perhaps taking advantage of the Light Lunch formula . Food has always been a factor of social aggregation, a sort of universal glue, capable of strengthening the identity of the group.
If you prefer, for various reasons, to organize a meeting in the late afternoon, a successful alternative is the aperitif or aperitif . It is an undemanding and very informal opportunity to discuss the important elements mentioned above.
There are many locations that offer this service, we at Cucina In have also made available a room equipped with two projectors and flipcharts and blackboards on request.
In any case, the general rules for choosing the most suitable location are: the ability to easily contain the participants and have a stimulating, fun and unconventional atmosphere. Finally, although it may appear to be a secondary element, the quality of the food and service offered plays an important role in this type of meeting; Eating dishes prepared with little care can ruin the positive climate that has been created, leaving a sense of dissatisfaction.
