2020-06-24
2m read

How To Run An Awesome Workplace Book Club

Sneak preview: it's about the connection and conversation.

If you're looking to drive connection, community and learning, a book club is a great plan.

Here's a step-by-step guide to get yours up and running:

Pick a Great Book:

• Leverage online resources like Goodreads for community ratings.
• Explore top book lists from thought leaders you admire.
• Offer three diverse choices and poll your team for their favorite. This gets them involved from the start!

Plan Ahead:

• Give people ample time to schedule reading and discussions. Avoid last-minute surprises!

Manageable Chunks:

• Aim for 20 minute reading sessions per week to avoid overwhelming participants.

Meeting Magic:

• Schedule discussions during work hours, but be mindful of team rhythms. Avoid peak meeting times and focus hours. Consider lunchtime or the end of the day. Poll for availability but understand you might not be able to accommodate everyone perfectly.

Make it Appealing:

• Keep attendance optional, but create an enticing experience. Engage colleagues as "founding members" to promote the club. Offer small incentives for early participation, like snacks or even a reading device (budget permitting).

Discussion Dynamics:

• Aim for groups of 4-10 for optimal interaction.
• Assign a facilitator skilled in leading insightful discussions. Equip them with thought-provoking questions.

Actionable Insights:

• Encourage participants to identify a takeaway from each meeting – "How can I apply this discussion in my work?"

Foster Community:

• Create a dedicated communication channel (like Slack) to keep the conversation flowing and gently nudge participation.

Continuous Improvement:

• Regularly check in with participants to gather feedback on what's working and what could be improved. 

Open to All:

• Promote inclusivity by keeping book club participation open to everyone. This fosters cross-departmental relationships and knowledge sharing. 

Ground Rules for Respectful Discussions:

• Establish clear expectations for respectful conduct within the group, especially for books that might touch on sensitive topics. Consider brainstorming these agreements together as a group.
• Here are some potential ground rules:
  • Express personal opinions.
  • Zero tolerance for discrimination.
  • Ask open-ended questions.
  • Practice active listening.
  • Avoid assumptions.

Essential Tools:

• A shared document (like Google Docs) outlining reading assignments, meeting dates, and discussion prompts.
• A video conferencing tool for virtual gatherings.
• A platform for sending calendar invites 

Remember, successful book clubs are about building connections and sparking conversations, not just the book itself. So, get ready to bring your team closer and unleash the power of shared learning.

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