NASBA Center For Public Trust 
We’ve all had those days where you are sitting in a brainstorming meeting and experiencing all the symptoms of writer’s block. Out of nowhere (it seems like), you’re put on the spot and asked for your company’s next “big idea.”
To avoid future uncomfortable feelings of not knowing what to say, check out these three methods that will help inspire creativity in your meetings, and ultimately lead to a more productive and efficient time with your team.
Allow Time for Silence
My grandfather says, “silence is golden,” and he may just be onto something! Silent Co-Creation allows for short periods of silence (ranging 1-3 minutes) that is added to the meeting agenda. It’s a way to reflect on the content of the meeting, and allows everyone to think before speaking without any distractions. Some meeting attendees will doodle (which research has proven to boost creativity), jot down notes or just gather their thoughts. Sure, it may seem a little awkward at first, but science suggests that silence improves memory, learning and emotional capabilities.
Laugh a Little or a Lot
Warm up the meeting with a funny video (everyone loves a silly cat and/or baby videos), or tell a funny joke. Research shows that people who are in a positive mood, they experience more creative solutions and have an easier time problem solving.
Change your Environment
Surprise your team with a meeting at a local coffee shop or incubator space. Better yet, take a lesson from Steve Jobs who was a huge fan of walking meetings. This change of scenery can bloom fresh ideas, contrasting a traditional conference room enclosure.
Do you have any tips on how to get your meetings refocused, reenergized and excited to work on the project at hand? We would love to hear from you! Email [email protected].
– Ashley Metivier
Activities Coordinator, NASBA Center for the Public Trust