Have you ever wondered why some meetings result in creative breakthroughs while others are a snoozefest of long discussions without clear decisions? It’s not just about who sits around the table but more so about where the meeting takes place. Our surroundings influence our thoughts, feelings and behaviors and therefore the decisions we make.
The direct environment
Imagine a meeting room: white walls, dull lighting and a table full of used coffee mugs. There are hardly any sparks of creativity directly connected to that room. People are sensitive and our surroundings subtly control how we feel and act. If the environment is monotonous and dreary our thoughts often start to reflect that. Decisions then tend to be cautious, conventional and predictable.
Compare that to a meeting held in an inspiring environment. Perhaps an open office landscape with a view of the city or why not a meeting room decorated with comfortable armchairs, plants and soft lighting? These environments invite new ideas and open up conversations in a completely different way. Suddenly participants dare to think bigger and bolder.
Meeting experiences
The environment affects us in more ways than we think. Simple changes in the meeting environment such as natural light, colors and furniture therefore play a bigger role than many people realize. But it’s not just about the physical location. The noise level and background music also play a role. A café-like murmur can stimulate creativity, while total silence sometimes stifles free thought. Just the right amount of background noise creates a slight distraction that allows for unexpected connections and new angles of approach.
And then we have online meetings, which now is the new normal. Here too, the environment plays a big role. Some things are more suitable for the digital setting. Online casinos, for instance mega riches, thrive in an online format and keep evolving. Online meetings, on the other hand, still have a long way to go before they can even be compared to an in-person appointment. A blurry webcam, poor sound or a messy background are common occurrences that make it difficult to focus and creates a sense of distance between participants.
Components that few think about
The temperature also plays a role. Have you tried to make important decisions in a room that is too hot or too cold? Then you know that discomfort in the body makes us impatient and less concentrated. A comfortable temperature keeps meeting participants focused and in a good mood.
The social climate is another factor that determines the effectiveness of the meeting. Is the environment strict and formal or open and inclusive? When you create a positive atmosphere where people feel comfortable, they also dare to say what they really think. A meeting where everyone has a say often leads to better and more informed decisions.
Decision making in the ultimate way
Finally, it’s also about choosing the right location depending on the decision that needs to be made. If the group needs to think big and visionary, it may be worth holding the meeting outdoors on perhaps a terrace or in a park. If quick, clear decisions are required, a simple and quiet meeting room is better suited. The important thing is that the environment matches the purpose of the meeting.
So the next time you plan a meeting, think carefully about where it will be held. The location is not just a backdrop, but an active part of the decision-making process. By choosing the environment with care, you give yourself and your team the best possible conditions to make the right decision. Perhaps this is exactly what determines whether the meeting is a success or another wasted hour.