If you are going to hold a whiteboard meeting, magnets are perfect for providing flexibility and efficiency.
How to use magnets for whiteboard meetings
The really cool thing about magnets is that you can quickly move them around so you don't waste time writing the same things over and over again. Of course, you can also use the magnets to visualize an agenda. You can either write the points directly on our magnetic tape, or you can print and insert them into our magnetic pockets.
Here are a number of concrete examples for the use of magnets:
Task cards: Use magnets to hang task cards on the board, where each task is described. The magnets make it easy to move tasks from one column to another (for example, from "To do" to "In progress" to "Done"), giving a clear picture of progress.
Status indicators: Use colored magnets or magnets with symbols to mark the status of tasks. For example, a green magnet can mean that the task is complete, a yellow magnet can mean that there are problems, and a red magnet can indicate that there are obstacles.
Prioritise: Use magnets to indicate the priority of tasks. Magnets with numbers or colors can be placed next to tasks to show what is most important to work on first.
Problem and solution highlighting: Use magnets to highlight problems and their solutions. For example, you can place one magnet with a problem and another magnet with a solution or action to be taken.
Team division: Use different colors of magnets to show who is responsible for each task. This can make it easy to see who is working on what and help avoid confusion.
Timeline: Use magnets to visualize timelines or deadlines so that it is clear when tasks are due. This can help the team stay focused on time management.
Magnets make the whiteboard meeting interactive, flexible and easy to update, which can increase efficiency and team engagement.
We have writable magnetic tape in the three LEAN colors, and also in blue. The magnetic tapes contribute to the flexibility, as you can cut them to exactly the length you need, while still being able to write on them. Write with a whiteboard marker and you can erase it again.
You can also be creative and cut the magnetic tapes into other shapes, such as stars, check marks or other relevant shapes.
Our magnetic tapes are made with perfect load-bearing capacity – they stick no better than they are really easy to move around, but at the same time strong enough to stick well. If you put the magnetic strips on a metal door, you can easily slam the door without them moving.
We have created a complete whiteboard package, where you get a smart basic set with everything you need to create a good whiteboard meeting. See our whiteboard package here:
If you would like to know more about whiteboard meetings, we have a few extra sections for you here.
Whiteboard meetings that work!
What is important for a good whiteboard meeting?
Clear structure: The meeting should have a fixed and simple structure, where all participants know what is expected of them.
Short duration: The meeting should be short, usually 10-15 minutes, to maintain focus and avoid time wasters.
Focus on tasks and obstacles: All participants should focus on the tasks they have worked on and any problems they are facing.
Visual whiteboard: Using a physical whiteboard, where tasks and progress can be seen visually, makes it easier to follow. Incorporating magnets makes it easy to move and makes the board flexible.
Continuous updates: All participants provide an update on their work status, so everyone is updated on each other's progress.
No solutions during the meeting: The meeting should not be used to solve problems, but to identify them. The problems can be addressed in a separate meeting afterwards.
Clear accountability: Each participant should be responsible for updating their status and ensuring that they follow up on any challenges.
Time: The meeting should be held at a fixed time, e.g. every morning, or once a week, to create a fixed rhythm.
What is a whiteboard meeting?
A whiteboard meeting is a short, often daily, meeting format where a team gathers to review the status of ongoing tasks and projects. The meeting is usually held standing to keep it short and effective, and it is often used in agile working methods such as Scrum.
Are whiteboard meetings used in connection with LEAN?
In organizations that work with LEAN principles, whiteboard meetings are also used. They provide the opportunity to visualize the work and progress on a whiteboard, making it easier to see where improvements are needed. It also creates a culture of continuous improvement where the team can identify and resolve issues quickly. Together, LEAN and whiteboard meetings can help create a more efficient workplace.
