A Multitasker’s Dream

Multitasking is something that few people do well. However, for those of us who are proficient at combining the right types of activities together to simultaneously provide mental space to one and rote movements to the other, we can get a lot done in a short period of time. This particular type of event is one I have been planning more of lately, and for multitaskers, it’s perfect. They’re Lunch & Learn events. What’s better than eating lunch and attending an event at the same time?

The purpose of a lunch & learn event is efficient use of time. Those lunching might be learning a new skill or hearing about a new product while noshing on their meal. Most people are supposed to have a lunch hour, so rather than squeeze another meeting into what is likely an already busy schedule, adding some education while offering a free meal seems like occasional, well-used time. If budget is an issue, employees can always be asked to brown-bag it, however, if you want to encourage high percentage attendance, free food usually does the trick.

These events could also be used as fact-finding from a specific demographic of people. If you’re the CEO of an organization, you may schedule these events with different departments. If you oversee a large group of people you might break them down into subgroups; twenty-somethings, men, women, left-handed people, Capricorns…. you name it. The idea is to get information from a specific group of people to help reach a goal. You could be looking to improve your processes, reorganize your organization, or simply stay connected to what is going on in your business. Whatever your desired outcome, be sure to craft good, thought-provoking questions for the attendees. Then, listen. They lunch…you learn.

It’s helpful to set some expectations for these events. If attendees are learning something such as a new skill, be sure to inform them if they should bring their computers, and if the meeting is mandatory or optional. And, schedule the beginning and end time and stick to it. If information-gathering is the goal, the atmosphere needs to be completely judgement free for honest participation to happen. Asking clarifying questions is ok if they are truly to clarify something you are confused about, but not to probe or defend. To affect real change or meet your goal, you want people to speak frankly. If you create a culture where people feel free to participate without retribution, you could be amazed at the gems you will walk away with.

If you want the attendees to come prepared, you might want to send them information to review or ask them to come with their questions or concerns on a specific topic ahead of time. Some people are great at in-the-moment thinking but others need to noodle on a subject for a couple of days before their true genius comes out. And, know your audience. Don’t serve pizza unless you know the demographic you’ve invited to lunch are the pizza-eating kind. Food for a group of young attendees who are entering the workforce for the first time will have a different appetite than those who are looking forward to retirement.

Lunch & learn events don’t have to be complicated or expensive but they can yield great results when done well. Multitaskers in the room will feel a sense of accomplishment as they can check another meeting off their list while they dined. Trainers can rest assured their job was done and attendees now have information on the new product your company just released. And, a manager might be blown away by what the brown-eyed attendees from her department shared and she has some solid facts to take to her CEO to recommend some changes.

Have you planned a lunch & learn event? What is one thing that worked really well?
Share it here or send me an email! Let’s learn from each other.

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