Ever feel like the conversations in your GBS (Global Business Services) forums are just going in circles? Like everyone’s nodding but no one’s really connecting?
You’re not alone. It’s a common struggle in the shared services industry. We gather all these brilliant minds together, but often leave the table without actionable insights or meaningful dialogue. That’s where the magic happens, folks! And I’m here to help you spark that conversations.
Let’s break down some strategies to ignite those dialogues and truly make your GBS forums a powerhouse for transformation and innovation.
Understanding GBS Forums: The Foundation
First, we need to understand what GBS forums are all about. These are spaces—physical or virtual—where professionals come together to share knowledge, experiences, and ideas. The objective? Drive shared services transformation through collaboration.
But let’s be real: just gathering a bunch of people doesn’t cut it. The key is to create an environment that encourages open, honest dialogue. Here’s how you can do just that:
1. Establish Clear Objectives
What’s the point of the forum? Are you looking to enhance process optimization? Discuss technology innovations? Improve customer experience? Setting clear goals gives everyone a north star to aim for.
- Start each meeting with a recap of objectives.
- Encourage participants to share their personal goals for the discussion.
2. Create a Safe Space
No one wants to share their thoughts if they fear judgment. Establish a culture where every voice is heard, no matter the rank or experience level. Consider these tips:
- Encourage participation from everyone.
- Share stories of mistakes made and lessons learned.
When people feel safe, the dialogues become richer and more meaningful.
3. Foster Open-ended Questions
Closed questions kill conversations. Instead of asking, “Did you like the new tool?” try, “What did you think about the implementation of the new tool?” This invites people to dive deeper.
Here are some examples of open-ended questions:
- What challenges are you facing with current processes?
- How do you envision the future of shared services?
- What areas do you think need more innovation?
Incorporating Storytelling
Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools in a facilitator’s kit. Everyone loves a good story. It makes concepts relatable and memorable. Share personal journeys or showcase successes from others in the industry. It has a way of breaking down barriers and encouraging dialogue.
For instance, if someone shares a win related to process excellence, ask them to elaborate on how they got there. What hurdles did they face? This not only engages the audience but also provides actionable insights others can utilize.
4. Leverage Technology
Incorporate tools that facilitate collaboration. Whether it’s a voting app to prioritize discussion topics or breakout rooms for smaller group interactions, technology can enhance engagement. Some options include:
- Collaborative platforms like Miro or MURAL for brainstorming.
- Polling tools like Slido to gather real-time feedback.
Encouraging Continuous Learning
GBS forums shouldn’t just be a one-off event. Encourage ongoing discussions by sharing resources and articles post-meeting. A great way to foster a learning culture is by promoting blogs that dive into shared services transformation, like THEGBSEDGE.
Regularly highlight key takeaways and insights on shared services topics that resonate with participants. Providing materials related to process optimization or finance compliance can keep the momentum going.
5. Celebrate Achievements
Don’t just focus on problems; celebrate wins, big and small. Acknowledging achievements energizes the group and sets a positive tone. Whether it’s a process improvement that led to efficiency gains or a new technology that simplified workflows, recognize these milestones.
Follow Up and Get Feedback
After each forum, follow up with participants. Send out a recap of discussions, key takeaways, and action items discussed. Also, ask for feedback on the session. What worked? What didn’t?
This builds a culture of continuous improvement and shows that you value participants’ input.
6. Embrace Diversity
Diverse teams produce diverse ideas. Encourage participation from different departments and levels of the hierarchy. A mix of backgrounds and experiences leads to more comprehensive discussions.
Keep the Energy Up!
Lastly, keep the energy high. Begin your discussions with icebreakers or engage in light-hearted banter before diving into serious topics. When the atmosphere is relaxed and enjoyable, people are more likely to engage.
- Start with a fun question—“If you could have any superpower, what would it be?”
- Share a humorous anecdote relevant to the shared services industry.
Conclusion
To ignite meaningful dialogues in your GBS forums, focus on creating an environment conducive to open conversation.
Set clear objectives, promote storytelling, foster safe spaces, leverage technology, celebrate achievements, and embrace diversity. By implementing these strategies, we can ensure our forums are more than just meetings—they become catalysts for transformation in the shared services landscape.
Let’s make our GBS forums a place where ideas flourish, innovations develop, and true collaboration thrives. For more insights into shared services transformation and to stay updated on the latest trends, don’t forget to check out THEGBSEDGE.
