One of the critical activities a Chief of Staff will be involved in is planning a leadership huddle. In this era of the hybrid work environment, we will call these gatherings “huddles”. A huddle is a close gathering of people.
When I think of huddles, the image is of a team getting together to discuss what needs to be done next. So, huddles are the same things, bringing together of key plays to determine what is next. Huddles can be in person or virtually depending on the makeup of your teams, over a few days for geo-diverse teams. This is where you will start to identify what topics the leadership team will need to discuss. Many huddles are multi-faceted with the inclusion of development activities, typically to help build or reinforce relationships of trust, operational topics, customer centric topics, industry specific items for example a manufacturing or warehouse business may discuss efficiency and quality standards.
These gatherings are also referred to as offsites, onsites, and leadership summits, among other names. Huddles are one part of an extended conversation – about strategy, goals, and/or tactics. They’re at a time bringing people together to make decisions so you can go back to the office the next day and start taking action. If people don’t understand (or agree on) what outcomes they’re driving toward or don’t feel their voice is being heard, your huddle will derail before the first coffee break. Huddles are important because they provide a way for employees to connect, inspire creativity and innovation, support strategic planning, and strengthen relationships. Huddles help team members see their colleagues in a new light, relax people and put them in a casual mood, and break down hierarchies.
Effective huddles provide opportunities to learn more about employees’ passions, skills, and interests. It is common for big company decisions to be created and driven by executive management. With employee engagement increasingly vital to running a business, embracing your workforce’s collective knowledge and experience can prove to be a not only a catalyst for increased performance but a way to keep the team executing at a high rate. Working with staff on strategic initiatives can help make staff feel valued, improving morale and making them feel like their opinions are heard, which in turn tends to contribute to higher levels of staff engagement and retention. A perceived dictatorial leadership style often leads to employee disengagement and lower productivity.
Being in a different environment often helps promote communication between workers as well as improve professional relationships by providing an opportunity for people to learn more about the people they work with in a relaxed, different environment. Huddles boost your morale. They provide a break from the usual work environment and offer a chance to engage in different activities. These activities inspire creative thinking by providing a new environment and breaking the routine of the workplace. They are seen as an investment in the overall culture.
They provide designated time and space for addressing important questions and broader goals that often get overlooked in the day-to-day operations. So, while huddles might seem like just a fun break from work, they actually serve several crucial functions that can benefit both the individuals involved and the organization as a whole.
As the Chief of Staff, this is a key event that you will lead planning efforts in collaboration with the leadership team and key stakeholders. You can survey the team for ideas or work with your executive if there is a theme or set of topics that need to be discussed. You will want to ensure that there is a goal (s) and outcomes for the huddle and the individuals who need to attend. Some huddles will require some prework so allow ample time for the team to complete the prework and not be rushed. Some huddles can be 1 day to a few days. Breaks are important and including some non-curated time will help with some informal discussions. Since your team may be traveling, you will want to help them maximize their time.
Creating an inclusive atmosphere where participants feel valued and heard contributes to the enjoyment of the huddle. When individuals feel a sense of belonging and connection, the overall experience becomes more enjoyable.
Huddles often involve shared experiences, whether through team-building activities, meals, or group discussions. These shared moments create lasting memories and contribute to a positive perception of the huddle. Participants have the opportunity to take a break from their regular work responsibilities during a huddle.
This break allows them to relax, recharge, and engage with colleagues more informally and enjoyably. Including elements of entertainment or leisure, such as guest speakers, recreational activities, or themed events, adds an enjoyable aspect to the huddle experience.
Huddles often provide opportunities for personal development, whether through skill-building workshops or motivational sessions. When participants find value in their personal and professional growth, the overall experience becomes more fulfilling and enjoyable.
Huddles are fun because they offer a break from the routine, incorporate enjoyable activities, and create a positive and inclusive environment that fosters team bonding and shared experiences.
Plan your huddle today!
