How Reflection Strengthens Your Annual Meeting

Annual meetings are a time of brainstorming, collaborative thinking and intensive informational exchange. Participants can feel a sense of burnout at various parts of the process, so keeping them engaged is crucial. Utilizing a service like a visual facilitator can provide unique imagery and perspective. Use this unique visual storytelling for a time of reflection. You can strengthen your agenda and keep your team energized and open the pathways to learning.

Here are some ideas for using reflection for meaningful discussions and recall.  These reflections can be captured by a graphic recorder as well!

1. Previous Year Reflections: Allow each member around the room to highlight what worked well and lessons learned from the past year. You could also suggest that they collaborate with their department for their contributions to the discussion.
2. Internal Reflections: Prompt participants with the question, “What have you learned about yourself so far?” before lunch or scheduled break in your meeting. Give your team a heads up that you will be asking this question during the session so they don’t feel “on the spot.”
3. Silent Reflections: Set a timer for 5-10 minutes for a period of silent reflection. Calming background music is also a great addition to this part. While the silence may feel a little odd at first, it will provide time for those in the room to reset of their mind. At the end of the timer ask if anyone would like to volunteer a thought or two from their “meditation.”

Let the group think back to what they learned throughout the meeting and share their takeaways. Give time for the graphic recorder to illustrate each members thoughts. At the end, you can decide collectively how to share these visual notes. Are you facilitating an annual meeting? Breakout sessions? Let our team help with the visuals! See our portfolio and learn more here!

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Lisa

Visual Thinker | Graphic Recorder | Sketchnote Artist at See In Colors

Lisa Nelson loves combining art with life. She is the Founder and Chief Visual Strategist of See In Colors where she leads a team that designs, facilitates, and captures conversations with hand-drawn pictures. By blending the power of visuals, communication and project management, Lisa helps organization have impact for social change. See In Colors is based in the Washington, D.C. area and serves clients world-wide.

Latest posts by Lisa (see all)

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