Spark Cards and Oregon Metro
I talked with staff at Metro, one of my clients who did the Create a Balanced Space experience, and asked them what makes meetings hard.
I am keeping the department and the names of the people anonymous because they did not hold back:
“It is tough when cameras keep going off. I cannot read the room and I have no idea how my words are landing.”
“I have so many browsers and windows open that my brain feels like a crowded desktop. I am trying to track everything all at once.”
“Sometimes I am invited, but no one seems to think about how I could actually contribute. I am just there, not really included.”
And someone voiced with a half laugh, “One person does all the talking and the rest of us… disappear.”
After hearing all of this, we realized the best way to make an impact was to give people reminders they could see and hold.
Enter Spark Cards: 3 by 5 cards filled with insights to guide you through your meetings, networking events, etc.
These cards grew directly from the stories, frustrations, and hopes shared during my Creating a More Balanced Space experience with Metro.
We focused on three areas where simple reminders can completely change the flow and balance of a meeting. Check them out below!
Knowing Your Role in the Room
The first area was knowing your role. What are you actually doing in this meeting besides warming a seat or a square on the screen.
Many people show up only to consume information. But even a small task can anchor attention and increase engagement.
One role we named was The Inspector.
This person looks for gaps, risks, or things that are being missed. Someone raising a hand without being seen? The Inspector gots you.
Someone about to be overlooked? Not by The Inspector.
Another role was The Timer. I bet you’ll never guess what they do. :)
Having roles for each person in a meeting is brings more balance to the meeting.
Knowing Where We’re Going
The second area is knowing where you are going. This is all about purpose and direction.
Every meeting should have a reason for happening beyond simply filling a calendar slot.
Before gathering people, ask the real questions:
Why does this meeting need to happen now?
What conversations haven’t happened yet that actually need to? What outcome matters most today?
Having clarity on the purpose also helps people stay present. When everyone understands where they are going, it becomes easier to contribute meaningfully and follow along without feeling lost or overwhelmed.
It stops meetings from drifting into off-topic chatter or repeating conversations that could have been resolved in an email.
Knowing where you are going makes the space feel purposeful, energizing, and balanced
Belonging Through Community Agreements
The third area is community agreements. This is about how we belong together in a space. How we speak. How we listen. How we make room for voices that are quieter or often overlooked. How we hold each other accountable with care and respect.
Community agreements are not rules imposed from above. They are shared understandings that grow out of conversation and experience.
They give everyone a framework for showing up fully, knowing they are seen and that their contributions matter.
The cards include prompts that help teams name these agreements together. Questions like:
How do we make space for everyone to be heard?
How do we handle interruptions or people dominating the conversation?
What signals help us stay on track without shutting anyone down?
These small reminders guide behavior in real time, making meetings safer and more balanced.
The Impact So Far
The impact has been clarity, a greater sense of fulfillment, and most of all, balance. One of the Metro managers shared, “I carry these cards with me wherever I go now. They have helped my team in so many ways.”
That simple statement captures what happens when ideas move off the page and into daily practice. People are not just talking about balance, they are living it.
Meetings feel lighter. Conversations are more intentional. Voices that might have been quiet are now part of the discussion.
These Spark Cards are a reminder that meetings can be designed with care. They can be spaces where people show up prepared, purposeful, and human.
Creating a Balanced Space is not about perfection. It is about practice, awareness, and small, consistent actions.
The purpose of the Creating a Balanced Space experience is to create moments where people can pause, connect with others, and feel seen and supported in demanding industries.
If this resonates, reach out and let’s create an experience for your team, community, or audience.