Encouraging participation in team meetings is essential for fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment. When everyone feels like they have a voice, they are more likely to be engaged and invested in the success of the team. Here are some tips for encouraging participation in team meetings:

• Start by setting the tone. As the leader of the meeting, it's important to create an open and welcoming environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. This could involve using inclusive language, actively listening to others, and being open to different viewpoints.
• Make it clear that everyone's input is valued. Even if someone doesn't have the answer to a problem, their perspective can still be valuable. Encourage people to speak up, and make it clear that their input is welcome and appreciated.
• Use inclusive decision-making techniques. Instead of making decisions unilaterally, consider using techniques like round robin, where everyone gets a chance to speak, or the "two feet" method, where people can stand or sit depending on whether they support a decision. These techniques help ensure that everyone has a say in the decision-making process.
• Encourage active listening. Encourage team members to listen actively to one another by making eye contact, nodding, and asking clarifying questions. This helps create a more collaborative environment and ensures that everyone's input is heard.
• Use icebreakers. If you're working with a new team or if there are shy individuals in the group, consider using icebreakers to encourage participation. Icebreakers can be as simple as asking people to introduce themselves or share something about themselves, or as structured as a team-building activity.
• Follow up on action items. After the meeting, make sure to assign tasks and follow up on progress. This helps ensure that everyone's contributions are recognized and that their input is being taken into account.

By following these tips, you can create a more inclusive and collaborative team meeting environment where everyone feels comfortable participating and sharing their ideas.

If you need a space to collaborate with your team, or just a place to focus, consider spending a day at Work Hive, whether in Downtown Salt Lake City or Sugar House. We have the amenities you need -- from conference rooms to coffee to high speed internet. Give us a call or stop in!