Improving collaboration in team meetings often involves creating an inclusive and engaging environment. I use strategies similar to motivational interviewing by starting with open-ended questions, such as “What are your thoughts on this approach?” to encourage participation and diverse perspectives. Reflective listening plays a key role—I summarize contributions to show understanding and ensure everyone feels heard. Setting collaborative goals is also effective; I involve the team in crafting agendas and defining action items, which fosters ownership and accountability. By combining these methods, meetings become more dynamic and solutions-oriented. How do you enhance teamwork in your meetings?

Collaboration is the heartbeat of any successful organization, yet even the best teams can hit roadblocks in fostering genuine dialogue and engagement during meetings. One powerful approach to reignite collaboration is motivational interviewing (MI)a technique rooted in empathy, active listening,and partnership. Here’s how MI can transform your team meetings: 1️⃣ Shift from Directive to Collaborative 2️⃣ Foster Psychological Safety 3️⃣ Tap into Intrinsic Motivation Motivational interviewing focuses on understanding “why” people feel or think a certain way. Applying this in meetings can uncover what truly motivates your team, aligning individual goals with the broader organizational vision. #Leadership #Collaboration #MI ##Teamwork

I have notice that in some team meetings that I have facilitated, there’s often a quiet resistance keeping everyone from speaking openly. When I see members sit back, arms folded, avoiding eye contact, I feel the tension rising. Instead of pushing them or scolding their silence, I’ve started gently acknowledging their hesitation. By naming the quiet and inviting them to share even a small thought, I break that initial barrier. For example, last week I said, “It seems tough to get started today—what’s on your mind?” After a pause, one teammate opened up, and soon others joined, making the conversation more alive. Over time, this approach eases resistance and builds a space where everyone feels heard, fueling genuine collaboration.