The Power of Giant Post-it Notes in Meetings

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I’d be lying if I said that using giant Post-it notes in meetings was my idea. It wasn’t my idea. Humans have been writing for over 5000 years, somewhere between 3400 and 3300 BC in Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq) where cuneiform was used. Good luck sticking this clay tablet to the walls of a meeting room, then taking it home with you when the meeting ends.

There is an organization in the Metro Phoenix’s East Valley that has been teaching small businesses how to grow and thrive for many years. I was at one time a client of theirs (this was back in 2016/2017).  They now come in to The Works for their quarterly meetings. By the time they leave, very little light is escaping from the Higley Room glass walls due to these HUGE Post-it notes all over the place.  And when they leave, their notes go with them. But why?

The Higley Room at The Works has two whiteboards. They come in handy when our members need to write down their plans, teach their colleagues something, or take some general notes during a meeting. But these words of wisdom are erased soon after they leave.

Why are they using these Giant Post-it Notes in Meetings?

One word, retention

They’re taking their notes with them when they leave. And there is value in that. These oversized sticky notes provide a versatile platform for brainstorming, problem-solving, and visual thinking, revolutionizing the way teams collaborate during meetings. Let’s explore the benefits of using giant Post-it notes in meetings and how they can transform your team’s productivity.

According to MedCerts, “…..when it comes to typing versus handwriting notes, it turns out that the traditional way of doing things — although slower and, arguably, less convenient — is the better option. Handwriting notes improves your retention of the material, which boosts your ability to learn with less need for review and study.”

Effectiviology says something similar, “In short, studies generally show that writing notes by hand allows you to remember the material better than typing it.”

Studyskills.com goes even further by referencing two professors (one from Princeton and one from UCLA) who conducted a study by running three experiments. They had students take notes in a classroom setting. The study looked at students taking notes on a variety of things: bats, bread, algorithms, faith, and economics.  After, the students were tested on:

• • • Memory of factual detail
    • Conceptual understanding of the material
    • Ability to synthesize and generalize information

The study revealed that students who wrote their notes on paper learned more than those who typed their notes. Students who wrote their notes by hand were aware they wouldn’t catch every word. It forced them to focus on listening and digesting, then summarize in their own written words. The process made the brain work more efficiently; it also fosters comprehension and retention of the material.

The research shows that students who took notes on their laptop did take more notes. But, they retained much less. This is because students who use a laptop simply type a record of the lecture. They don’t use their brain to process what is being taught. Therefore, students are merely transcribing, not processing.

Enhanced Visual Impact

One of the most significant advantages of using giant Post-it notes is their visual impact. Who doesn’t like BIG Post-it notes? They get attention.

Unlike regular-sized sticky notes or traditional whiteboards, the large size of these notes ensures that ideas and concepts can be written in bold, eye-catching letters. This visual appeal instantly captures the attention of meeting participants and encourages active engagement. The vibrant colors of the Post-it notes further enhance the visual appeal, making the process of organizing and categorizing ideas more enjoyable and stimulating.

By presenting information in a visually striking manner, giant Post-it notes facilitate better understanding and comprehension, ultimately leading to improved collaboration and problem-solving. Who would have thought writing ideas on big pieces of sticky paper would have such an impact on productivity when many of us are looking to the latest tech gadget (or app) for this type of solution?

Realize Flexible Collaboration by using Giant Post-it Notes in Meetings

Giant Post-it notes offer exceptional flexibility when it comes to collaboration during meetings. With their adhesive backing, these notes can be placed on walls, windows, or any flat surface, creating a dynamic working environment that encourages participants to contribute and build upon ideas. This flexibility allows for easy rearrangement and grouping of thoughts, fostering the development of connections and patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Moreover, team members can physically interact with the notes by moving them around or adding additional notes, promoting a sense of ownership and shared responsibility. The tactile experience of manipulating the giant Post-it notes in meetings enhances the overall engagement and ensures that everyone’s input is valued and incorporated into the discussion.

Streamlined Organization and Synthesis

Managing information and ideas effectively is crucial during meetings, and giant Post-it notes excel in this aspect. Their larger surface area allows for more extensive content to be displayed, enabling teams to capture a wealth of information and insights. With each note representing a specific idea or concept, participants can organize and rearrange the notes to create logical connections, hierarchies, or timelines.

This visual organization enhances the synthesis of ideas, making it easier for teams to identify patterns, prioritize tasks, and develop actionable plans. Furthermore, the ability to physically manipulate the notes helps stimulate critical thinking and problem-solving, as it encourages participants to analyze and reassess their ideas in real-time.

Encourages Active Participation

The interactive nature of using giant Post-it notes in Meetings encourages active participation from all meeting attendees. Rather than passively observing or listening, individuals feel empowered to contribute their thoughts, ensuring a more inclusive and diverse discussion. The act of physically writing down ideas on the giant notes promotes active engagement and helps individuals articulate their ideas more effectively.

Moreover, the collaborative environment fostered by the use of giant Post-it notes reduces barriers to communication, encourages open dialogue, and builds stronger team cohesion. The creative and interactive nature of these notes also injects an element of fun into the meeting process, making sessions more enjoyable and memorable.

Whoever said “You can’t take it with you” was wrong

Incorporating giant Post-it notes in meetings can revolutionize the way teams collaborate, communicate, and solve problems. From their enhanced visual impact and flexible collaboration to streamlined organization and active participation, these oversized sticky notes offer numerous benefits. By harnessing the power of giant Post-it notes, teams can tap into their collective creativity, stimulate fresh ideas, and develop innovative solutions.

So, the next time you’re planning a meeting, consider embracing the colorful, versatile, and engaging world of giant Post-it notes and watch as your team’s collaboration and productivity soar to new heights.

Make follow up meetings easier, the Low-Tech way

Saving the big notes from the last meeting and toting them to today’s meeting is a great way to chart your team’s progress. Starting a meeting off with the notes from the last meeting stuck to the walls when your current meeting is about to start subtly tells the attendees what you’re going to be discussing. If you haven’t lived up to the plans that were written on the notes from last meeting, well……things may get uncomfortable.

Coming in soon for your meeting at The Works? Want to see how these BIG Post-it notes can help you organize your meeting notes?  Click one of these links, and be sure they arrive before your meeting. Better yet, have them sent directly to The Works at 1525 S Higley Road,Suite 104, Gilbert, AZ 85296. Let us know to expect it, we’ll hold it for you meeting.

 

And lastly, when your meeting is ending, and the walls are covered in BIG Post-it notes, it leaves you with a feeling of “Wow, we got a lot done today, didn’t we?”

PS: If your small business is doing $1M or more in revenue, and need help getting to $10M benchmark, the company I referenced early in this article can likely help you get there. I didn’t mention them by name, because I haven’t reached out to them to let them know about this article. I’d be happy to guide you to them though.  Just email us at hello@theworksgilbert.com and I’d be happy to connect you to them. Disclosure: I have no affiliation with them other than being a satisfied ex-client.