Meetings, meetings, meetings, that’s all the life of a business leader seems to be, a long series of meetings, but what good do they do.
Everybody comes to the meetings with a preconceived idea of what the meetings are about and as to what the outcome will be. They have their own opinions and points of view and are determined to have their voice heard.
The attendees at these types of meetings all finish up as just talking heads, venting their grievances and not listening to a word that other people are expressing.
They are so busy wanting to tell others what they want to say that they do not listen, let alone, hear the other person’s point of view.
In all cases, instead of listening to what is being said and the intent that is meant by others views, they have their own thoughts and priorities, so they miss the opportunities that are sitting right under their noses.
Inevitably the meetings will not be very productive and everyone will return to their workplace, totally frustrated, until the next meeting.
Fortunately, there is a simple business meeting formula that you can follow that will ensure that your meetings are more enjoyable to attend and that they will result in a positive outcome.
Don’t be just talking heads at your company’s next business meeting.
Just take the time to listen first, ask questions to fully understand and then listen again before making your own contribution to the meeting and conversation.
Don’t approach each situation with preconceived ideas and thoughts that will block out any other person’s contribution to the conversation.
Allow others to express their points of view, ask them questions to get clarity, request others to contribute to stimulate the conversation, then summarize your understanding of the discussion and ask them for their agreement on what has been the conclusion of the conversation.
If all attendees get used to this type of meeting and are able to see that it is much more productive and that their views are respected, then the outcome will be a much more positive result.
This formula is not just good advice for a business leader, but is also something that the business leader should cascade down through their management team and all of their other company employees.
Business leadership is all about listening, understanding and then deciding on the course of action, by following this formula you will achieve much more productive meetings and your company will have more business success.
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Friday, September 5, 2008
Don’t Be Just Talking Heads
