This document discusses frameworks of happiness and strategies for effective staff meetings. It presents different theories of happiness including perceived control, progress, connectedness and having a vision or purpose beyond oneself. Maslow's hierarchy of needs is also referenced. Three types of happiness are defined: pleasure-seeking, engagement and finding meaning. The document advocates that organizations should focus on their higher purpose and mission and link staff meeting agendas to strategic plans. Ten strategies for effective staff meetings are outlined, such as managing time, adding knowledge sharing, and recognizing staff. The document closes by tying staff meetings back to factors that can contribute to happiness.

1. June 2012
Effective Staff Meetings

2. Meetings: The Good (in a minute), The Bad, and the Ugly

3. What makes you HAPPY?

4. A FEW DIFFERENT
FRAMEWORKS OF
HAPPINESS
Source: Zappos.com

5. A FEW DIFFERENT FRAMEWORKS ON
HAPPINESS
Perceived Control
Perceived Progress
Connectedness
Vision / Meaning
(Being part of something bigger than yourself)
Source: Zappos.com

6. Maslow’s Hierarchy
Source: Zappos.com

7. 3 TYPES OF HAPPINESS
Rock Star
time
(Pleasure – chasing the next high)
Flow
time
(Engagement – time flies)
Meaning / Higher Purpose
time
(Being part of something bigger than yourself)
Source: Zappos.com

8. If the research shows that
vision / meaning / higher purpose
leads to HAPPINESS…
What is your organization’s higher
purpose?
What is your higher purpose?
Source: Zappos.com

9. What is your nonprofit’s mission?

10. What is your nonprofit’s Strategic Plan? Annual Goals?
Future Vision?

11. Strategy #1: Link the agenda for the staff
meeting to the mission or the strategic plan

12. Strategy #2: Plan Your Agenda around Key Decisions
Distribute information prior to meeting
to support decision making

13. Strategy #3: Record What Happens
….and follow-up on next agenda!
(Online project management tools?)

14. Strategy #4: Monitor Time
Postpone decision making if need be….
Start and end on time!

15. Strategy #5: Manage
Your Own Behavior
…what are you bringing
to the meeting?

16. Things to Avoid
• Crossing your arms across
your chest
• Licking your lips
• Touching your mouth or
face…indicates dishonesty
• Finger or nail biting

17. A few more….
• Tapping your feet, swinging a leg or foot,
…signals a desire to get up and run.
• Touching your hair
• Aimless hand gestures

18. Strategy #6: Add Knowledge Sharing!
Include professional development topics, skills of
staff members, article presentations, partner
agencies, best practice examples…

19. Strategy #7: Recognize!
Develop a recognition program…amongst the
team! Recognize each other! Special awards!

20. Strategy #8: What kind of conversation
are you having?
• Conversation for Possibility
• Conversation for Opportunity
• Conversation for Action (Decision)
(Meetings don’t go off topic: People do.)

21. Strategy #9: Small talk is a big deal.
“Is there anything people need to say in order
to be “present” at this meeting”?
Allow people to express…to clear their minds.
Give people opportunity to develop social
cohesion….

22. Strategy #10: Have fun! Bring Toys! Tell Jokes!

23. How can staff meetings contribute to
HAPPINESS?
Perceived Control
Perceived Progress
Connectedness
Vision / Meaning
(Being part of something bigger than yourself)

24. Closing Thoughts
• Monthly Check-in: What’s working? What’s
not? Make improvements…
• Opportunity to monitor morale and improve
culture on a consistent basis
• Engage team in enacting changes – let them
pick!
• Go forth…and do good!

25. Questions?

26. Find Me!
• Facebook: Fio Partners, LLC
• Pinterest: Anne Yurasek
• Twitter: @annefio, @fiopartners
• Our Blog: www.fiopartners.com/blog
• Email: anne@fiopartners.com