How to Run an Inclusive Meeting

Running an inclusive meeting involves actively seeking differences of opinion by encouraging participants to articulate different points of view. This approach helps to avoid echoing similar opinions and promotes higher quality convergence by ensuring all perspectives are heard. It is important to create norms that acknowledge and credit contributions, rather than restating others' ideas as one's own. By prioritizing divergence in discussions, such as allowing for a dedicated time to explore various decisions before converging, meetings can achieve more fruitful outcomes. In a hybrid and remote meeting environment, addressing 'lurkers' who passively participate by keeping their cameras off is essential to formalizing participation and promoting engagement. Introducing practices like 'fishbowl' meetings, where observers can silently witness and learn from decision-making processes, can enhance transparency and learning within the group.