Lean In to Lean Coffee: A Leader's New Approach
No Agenda, No Problem: The Lean Coffee Revolution
Agendas are so 20th Century – Jim Benson, co-creator of Lean Coffee
Last week, I stumbled upon a concept that's been buzzing in networking circles: "Lean Coffee." At first, I thought it was some new hipster brew, but I quickly learned it's actually an innovative meeting format. And let me tell you, it's got me rethinking how I approach team gatherings.
Lean Coffee is essentially a structured meeting without a predetermined agenda. It sounds like an oxymoron, right? But here's the kicker: the participants create the agenda on the spot, democratically deciding what topics to discuss. As a leader, my initial reaction was skepticism. No agenda? How would anything get done?
But the more I pondered it, the more I realized this approach is actually a powerful act of trust in my team. By letting go of the reins and allowing the group to steer the conversation, I'm saying, "I believe in your judgment. I trust you know what needs attention."
It's not just about trust, though. It's about tapping into the collective wisdom of the room. How often have we sat through meetings where the most pressing issues never make it to the table because they weren't on the official agenda? Lean Coffee flips that on its head, ensuring we focus on what's truly important to the people doing the work.
Of course, it's a bit scary as a leader to relinquish that control. But isn't that what true leadership is about? Creating an environment where your team can thrive, even if that means stepping back sometimes?
Give Lean Coffee a try in your next team meeting. It's a leap of faith, sure, but one that I believe will lead to more engaged, productive, and empowered discussions. After all, if we can't trust our teams to know what needs attention, why did we hire them in the first place?
Have you tried Lean Coffee in your workplace? I'd love to hear about your experiences! Learn more here.