Designing Meetings Where Company Culture Comes Alive
When meetings mirror everyday behaviour, culture clicks. Design for connection, activation, and follow‑through so participants live your values in the room—and back at their desks.
Why culture belongs in the meeting
Culture isn’t a slide deck; it’s how we act when no one’s watching. Too many gatherings build a bubble, then wonder why nothing changes on Monday. Bring the outside world inside and watch values turn tangible.
Culture differences matter, too
Whether you’re merging HQ and frontline teams or three continents on one Zoom, cultural norms—power distance, comfort with debate, even silence—shape how people contribute. Great Meeting Design surfaces these differences early: clarify shared rules, offer multiple ways to engage (talk, write, vote), and celebrate diverse voices. As Mike& Eric note, “designing for diversity turns potential friction into creative spark.”
The Culture‑Alive Playbook
Connect to lived reality – Invite customer stories, frontline data, or a quick video from the factory floor so participants see purpose, not just PowerPoint.
Activate shared values – Build moments where participants do something with the content—reflection, debate, or guided networking around a values‑driven prompt.
Extend the vibe beyond the day – Name owners for outcomes, celebrate commitments publicly, and schedule a 30‑day check‑in so momentum survives the calendar invite.
Design moves that make culture visible
Story before statistic – Coach speakers to wrap numbers in narrative
Respectful interaction – Lights up, stage low, and always explain the why of every activity
Rule of 15 – Switch formats every fifteen minutes (poll, pair‑share, micro‑case) to keep energy high and values front‑of‑mind
Culture check—ask yourself
Purpose: Which value does this meeting strengthen?
Participants: Who will live that value during the session?
Proof: How will we know the value shows up back at the desk?
Ready to swing culture from poster to practice?
Book a 30‑minute coffee chat and let’s co‑design a #SeriousFun meeting that breathes your values. Swing with us →