As we step into a brand-new year, I’m reflecting on how we can bring more joy into the way we work together. In my previous post, I shared thoughts on spreading joy in leadership and teamwork. Today, I want to take it a step further: How can we make collaboration not just effective but also fun and energizing?

One of the most powerful tools I’ve come across for transforming team dynamics is Liberating Structures. These simple yet innovative facilitation techniques are designed to unlock creativity, foster inclusion, and make meetings or workshops engaging for everyone.

What Are Liberating Structures?

Liberating Structures (LS) are a set of 33 facilitation techniques that replace boring, top-down meetings with dynamic, participatory experiences. 

They help teams:

1) Break free from rigid structures like lectures or open discussions dominated by a few voices.

2) Engage everyone in meaningful conversations.

3) Spark creativity and generate actionable ideas.

 

From brainstorming to problem-solving to planning, LS makes teamwork feel like play while delivering serious results.

Why Fun Matters in Teamwork

Most of us have sat through meetings that felt like a chore. But when collaboration is fun, people become more engaged, creative, and motivated. Joyful teamwork isn’t just about having a good time—it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels safe to share ideas and contribute fully. Liberating Structures make this possible by:

1) Encouraging equal participation (no one dominates the room).
2) Turning even complex challenges into manageable, interactive steps.
3) Making the process of working together feel light-hearted yet productive.

Try these three Liberating Structures to kick-off 2025

Here are three simple LS techniques you can use to make your team’s work more joyful and impactful this year:

Impromptu Networking

Kick off your meetings with energy!

Instead of awkward icebreakers, try this structure to get people connecting quickly. In pairs, participants answer a meaningful question like:

“What excites you most about this project?”

This energizes the room and sets a positive tone for collaboration.

1-2-4-All

Generate ideas collaboratively!

This structure ensures everyone has a voice by moving from individual reflection → pair discussions → small groups → full group sharing. It’s perfect for brainstorming or tackling tough challenges while keeping things engaging.

TRIZ

Have fun eliminating what doesn’t work!

Ask your team to brainstorm “the worst possible ways” to achieve their goals (e.g., “How could we completely ruin this project?”). Then flip it around—what can you stop doing now to avoid those outcomes? This playful activity sparks laughter while uncovering real insights.

A Call to Action for 2025

As you plan your projects, workshops, or team meetings this year, challenge yourself to make them more inclusive, engaging, and—yes—fun! 

Start small: pick one Liberating Structure technique and try it with your team. You’ll be amazed at how quickly the energy shifts when everyone feels empowered to contribute.

Or start with a big impact: engage us to train your team leads.

Either way, let’s commit to making 2025 a year where collaboration isn’t just effective—it’s joyful. Whether you’re leading a team or participating in one, remember: the way we work together matters to the results we achieve.

Here’s to a joyful start to 2025—let’s spread positivity, foster creativity, and make teamwork something we all look forward to!

Warm regards and best wishes for an amazing year ahead!

ReF.team