Let’s be real: Two out of every hundred people are probably just having a bad day. They’re not going to love what you do no matter what you do. That used to bug me. I’d focus too much energy on the 2% with the crossed arms in the back of the room.
Not anymore.
The trick? Don’t design for the 2%. Focus on the people who want to be there. The ones who want to grow, learn, and connect. And here’s the twist: when you focus on connection and contribution, you often win over even the arms-crossed skeptics.
Design for Contribution, Not Consumption
Here’s the game changer: I design for contribution, not just consumption.
When you design your keynote, workshop, or team meeting for people to consume, they only have two roles:
- Consume passively
- Or critique
Just like watching a movie on Netflix, you either like the scene or you don’t. But when you invite contribution? That’s where the magic happens.
Ask your group, “What would you change about this scene?” And now they’re co-creators. Nobody gives low ratings to their own ideas.
Conversation Starters That Spark Contribution
Want to know the real secret to team-building events and meetings that feel magnetic?
Use magical questions. (Hat tip to Priya Parker for this term.)
A magical question is one where:
- Everyone wants to share their answer.
- And they want to hear everyone else’s answer.
Compare that to tired icebreakers like:
“Share a fun fact about yourself.”
Yikes. That’s an introvert’s nightmare.
Instead, design your gathering with intentional icebreakers and team building questions that invite contribution and spark curiosity.
Gold Mine of Goodness: My Favorite Contribution “Icebreaker”
When I facilitate sessions (especially using Connection Before Content), I often run a breakout activity I call the Gold Mine of Goodness.
Here’s the prompt:
“You’re all busy and smart. In your small group, share one tool, strategy, habit, or idea that has helped you save time or reduce stress in the last six months.”
That’s it.
It’s a magical question. Everyone has an answer and wants to hear others’ answers.
Pro tip: Before breakout groups begin, give participants 30 seconds of silence to think. This gives introverts breathing room and allows extroverts to sharpen their ideas.
It follows Brainstorming 101:
- Think alone first.
- Then share in a group second.
That little bit of productive silence? It transforms the quality of contribution.
And if you’re looking for more icebreaker inspiration, check out our FREE downloadable printable cards, excerpts, and tools they’re packed with icebreakers for meetings, icebreakers for small groups, and even icebreakers for virtual meetings.
Quick Agenda Check: Contribution vs. Consumption
Want to know if your event or meeting is designed for contribution?
Take out your agenda (if you have one).
Grab a highlighter.
Now highlight every section where the audience contributes, not just sits and listens.
If there aren’t many highlights, you’re in trouble. You’re in a high-risk zone for low engagement and low approval scores.
Design for contribution. Every time.
Bonus: Join Us at the Connector Summit
I’m on a mission to redesign the world for connection and contribution, not consumption. There are billions of dollars being spent on getting us to consume more. I’m just not interested in that game.
That’s why I created the Connectors Summit.
Every December, we bring together:
- Facilitators
- Trainers
- L&D professionals
- School leaders
- Event organizers
- And anyone whose main job is to gather people
We unpack powerful, magical questions, learn new approaches to engagement, make dozens of new professional connections, and walk away with ideas you can apply instantly.
If that sounds like your jam, I’d love to invite you to contribute, connect, and expand your network this December.
