How To Be The Best Meeting Of The Day
So often when we have a big meeting we think about OUR agenda, what we want to say, what we want to get out of it, what we want. We look at it from our own point of view.
We are in broadcast mode. We don’t consider the person on the receiving end of the broadcast.
I don’t think that’s most conducive to the best meetings. No body likes to be talked at or to have too much information loaded on them.
One thing I try to do is to think about what would it look like if you were going to be the other person’s ‘best meeting of the day’?
How would it be if you looked at it from the other person’s point of view?
They may be very busy, they may already have a million things on their mind, they may be very worried about other stuff going on in their lives.
Indeed, in his book, “How to Win Friends and Influence People”, Dale Carnegie writes: ‘if there is any one secret of success, it lies in the ability to get the other person's point of view and see things from that person's angle as well as from your own.’ nb. I’ve seen that might be a Henry Ford quote as well so don’t sue me if I got the source wrong…
So what would make it a meeting that was great for them?
For me, it’s this:
Pleasantries! And creating a good atmosphere.
Ask about them and care about the answer. Create lightness in the mood or whatever atmosphere is most conducive.
Getting to the point.
Don’t waste people’s precious time. Get to the heart of the matter. Don’t dilly dally.
Share relevant information, insight and options.
No-one needs the Encylopedia Britanica or chapter and verse in terms of explanation or information. Be the curator and bring to the table the need to know information, insight and options.
Partner in an open discussion.
Be prepared to be challenged or open your mind to different ways of looking at things and see if they build or open up possibilities. If they don’t then discuss rather than dismiss.
A conclusion - a way forward - decisions, outcomes, next steps.
Be clear about the outcome or next steps. Don’t leave it hanging. Make sure everyone is clear. Even if it’s ‘let’s regroup next week’.
Last but not least…
Recognise when it’s time to go - wrap it up!
Remember, brevity is the soul of wit, leave them wanting more! Everyone appreciates a meeting that ends sooner than expected - so if you’re done, your done and let everyone enjoy that extra 5-10 minutes back int he diary.
Have a go, try it out and let me know how you go.
Be fearlessly YOU!
Tracy
