An all-hands meeting, sometimes called a company town-hall, is a regular gathering of everyone in a company to discuss important topics and updates. In a growing startup, these meetings can help everyone stay on the same page, especially when teams are expanding and changes are happening quickly. It’s a space where leaders can share what’s going on, team members can feel heard, and everyone can connect around common goals. If you’ve ever felt like your team is pulling in different directions or that important news gets lost in chats and emails, an all-hands meeting can help clear things up.
In this blog, we’re taking a look at some practical tips that will help you run all-hands meetings in your startup. Without waiting further, let’s get started.
What is an All Hands Meeting?
An all-hands meeting is a gathering where everyone in the company comes together, usually to discuss important matters. In the past, these meetings were often held in person, but with remote work becoming more common, they now usually happen over video conferencing platforms like Google Meet or Microsoft Teams. It’s a chance for everyone to get on the same page and talk about main issues affecting the company.
9 Simple Tips to Make Your All-Hands Meetings Run Smoothly in a Growing Startup
Here are some practical tips to make sure your all-hands meetings run smoothly in your startup:
1. Be Open About What’s Happening
People want to know what’s going on in the company. You don’t have to share every single detail, but being open about goals, challenges, and wins helps your team feel more connected. When people understand the bigger picture, they’re more likely to come up with smart ideas and feel invested in the company’s direction.
2. Start with Something Fun
Before jumping into updates and announcements, warm everyone up with a light activity. It could be a quick icebreaker, a fun question, or a short game. This helps everyone feel relaxed and sets a friendly tone, especially in virtual meetings where people might feel a bit distant.
3. Make Space for Questions and Polls
Including an interactive live poll during the meeting can keep everyone engaged and give real-time insights into how people are feeling about certain topics. This feature allows participants to respond instantly to questions, helping gather feedback quickly. Similarly, having a Q&A session lets your team ask questions, whether about business updates or any other topic they’re curious about. Make sure you allocate time for this interaction, as it not only provides valuable feedback but also encourages open communication within the entire team.
4. Don’t Overload Everyone with Too Many Tools
Using too many different platforms during an all-hands meeting can lead to confusion or technical problems. Stick to just one or two tools that are easy for everyone to use. For example, you can use Google Meet for video conferencing and Interactico for polls or feedback. This makes the meeting smoother and more interactive for everyone.
5. Put Someone in Charge of Timing and Flow
It helps to have a moderator who keeps an eye on the clock, makes sure each section runs on time, and keeps the conversation moving. This way, the meeting doesn’t drag on, and everyone stays engaged. A moderator can also help manage questions and make sure different voices are heard.
6. Set Aside Time for Appreciation
Make room for shout-outs. Let teams or individuals highlight someone who went above and beyond. It doesn’t take long, but it creates a positive atmosphere and reminds people that their work is seen and valued.
7. Use Visuals to Keep Things Clear
People remember things better when they can see them. If you’re talking about numbers, show a chart. If you’re giving someone a shout-out, put their photo on a slide. You don’t need fancy designs, but good visuals help get your point across and keep the energy up.
8. Ask What People Think
After the meeting, ask your team what they liked and what could be better. You can do this through a quick form or a casual chat. Feedback helps you adjust future meetings and makes people feel like they’re part of building the company culture.
9. Don’t Just End the Meeting and Move On
Once the meeting wraps up, send a short summary. Include the meeting recording, a list of next steps, and a few highlights like team wins or shout-outs. This keeps everyone in the loop, especially if someone missed it, and shows that the meeting wasn’t just for show.
Closing Thoughts
We hope these tips help make your all-hands meetings run a bit smoother and keep your team more connected. With a little effort, these meetings can really help bring everyone together. Good luck with your upcoming sessions!
About the author
Anurag Bhagsain is the Founder of Interactico, where he leads the charge in transforming presentation design. With a love for blogging, Anurag uses his expertise to create informative content that educates and motivates. From sharing tips on effective storytelling to simplifying design concepts. Anurag is dedicated to empowering his audience to create compelling presentations. When he’s not immersed in blogging and presentations, Anurag enjoys coding & gaming. You can reach out to Anurag at anurag.b@interactico.com
