The “Toast” is an event.  It is a public gesture of celebration.  A time to celebrate accomplishments. The audience voices their support of the praise with the clinking of glasses, and a hearty, “hear, hear!”

Celebration Meeting Theme

We can use “The Toast” as a theme for a  team meeting at the beginning of the year.  This creates a holiday celebration of the New Year for the management and maintenance teams.

With a “Toast” theme, fresh from New Year Celebrations, the team can be challenged to toast (not roast) their colleagues.  It can be an opportunity to recognize previous year accomplishments.

• Total Number of Move Ins
• Improved Safety Inspections
• Increased Occupancy
• Improved Rent Collections
• Inspection Scores
• Satisfaction Scores on Service Orders

Sample toasts, giving suggestions can assist.  Giving a cue card with a fill the blank option.  This provides an opportunity for everyone to participate without experiencing frustration or embarrassment.  As well as enough advance preparation to make sure recognition is offered for all.

The menu for the meeting includes juice or sparkling water served in plastic champagne style flutes; the entrée for the breakfast meal, french toast.  Of course!

Meeting With Purpose

The team meeting communicates the schedule for the week. Scheduled move ins, move outs, preventive maintenance, represent important items for every member of the team. Taking time to offer recognition in team meetings emphasizes the value of the team.

Team meetings are often unappreciated.  Viewed as a waste of time, occasionally eliminated from the weekly schedule.

• We don’t have time.
• There isn’t that much to cover.
• A team member is absent or scheduled away.

For each member of the team to appreciate the importance of their role, the explanation of weekly goals is imperative.  The contribution of every team member is essential to a successful week.

The team meeting communicates the schedule for the week.   Scheduled move ins, move outs, preventive maintenance, represent important items for every member of the team.  Taking time to offer recognition in team meetings emphasizes the value of the team.

Creating a fun atmosphere for the team meeting will initiate a positive attitude for the meeting.  In addition, the content of the meeting becomes memorable with the repetition points.  Eating french toast, offering toasts of recognition and encouragement, while discussing the goals and schedule for the week.