"Initially when I started having staff meetings, I would ask a question or for everyone's thoughts on a particular subject. But, I'd end up only getting blank stares from my employees. So, I made sure to have notepads and pens available at my next meeting, and instead I asked everyone to take a minute to write down ideas, thoughts, et cetera about the topic I brought up. After a couple of minutes passed, I then asked who wanted to go first. By setting up the expectation that everybody will have something, nobody gets to sit out of the discussion." Ashley Albus, aesthetician for The Courtyard Spa & Salon "Food and prizes are always a great way to make staff meetings energetic! I order in enough food for everyone to eat, whether for breakfast or lunch. Then, I also make it a point to pass out two prizes at every meeting. About a week before the staff meeting, I have all of the staff nominate the employee they think was the 'exceptional' staff member for the month. The employee that gets the most votes gets a $40 gift card to a local restaurant. The second prize is distributed by me and given to the person who made the most sales during the last month. Their prize is being given a paid vacation day." Michael Warren, owner of Elaina Lodge & SpaWant to read more? Subscribe to one of our monthly plans to continue reading this article.