Organizing a Jeffersonian Dinner is an art as it aims to bring out the best value from the group discussion. Unlike a typical dinner where members can talk about anything without letting one individual finish the conversation, Jeffersonian Dinner is well structured, and every participant gets the chance to speak. Similarly, Jeffersonian Dinner is not a usual discussion or meeting without a goal. So, let’s explore how to organize a Jeffersonian Dinner for your guests.
Purpose of the Jeffersonian Dinner
The purpose of your dinner could be collaboration, feedback, and community building. If you are a non-profit organization, these dinners help you build allies and partners. Corporations are now preferring intimate gatherings like Jeffersonian Dinners to get to know their employees, explore future leaders, and introduce changes in the company. When people get a chance to get along with their team leaders, supervisors, and managers in a relaxed environment, it sparks interesting insight and fresh thinking. It helps the members to experience connectedness. Family and friends can gather for such a dinner to promote meaningful conversation, creative thinking, learning, and acceptance. Organizations are now choosing Jeffersonian Dinners over typical presentations, promotions, meetings and discussions for many reasons. Firstly, it allows a healthy discussion among the members. Secondly, it gives a chance for all members to participate. Finally, it promotes acceptance of everyone’s opinion and doesn’t impose a narrative.
Structure of the Dinner
Jeffersonian Dinner involves all the participants in the conversation by giving equal opportunity to share their point of you on the themed question, agenda, or purpose. That’s why you need to structure your dinner as per the purpose. For instance, you book Thyme’s private space for the day. You can organize a little discussion in the evening while serving the drinks to your guests. Later you can serve dinner and get the follow-up from the participants.
Attendees of Dinner
Who you are inviting to a Jeffersonian Dinner you will affect the goal of your meeting. You cannot invite people randomly. Your attendees must have the level of knowledge and experience suitable for your dinner. So, be careful about choosing the members wisely, so you can make the most of it. If your participants do not have any idea about your discussion and goals, they cannot give constructive input. Attendees must also be interested in your theme to make the conversation effective.