BIG thoughts for small businesses
MEETINGS need to be better. How often do you show up for a meeting without really knowing the purpose or your role? And even when a meeting has a clear agenda, the group may not have the information they need or a framework for making decisions. One way out of this situation — is to recognise that all meetings need to be actively designed.
1. Why are we gathering?
It might be developing a plan, solving a problem, evaluating a risk, deepening relationships, or some combination of the above. Then ask yourself, does this need to be real-time?
2. Who needs to be here?
As a general rule, invite those who have something to contribute to the purpose, have a key role in decisions, or will be affected by the outcome.
3. What conversation needs to happen?
Think about the “work” your group needs to do together to achieve the meetings goals. Envision the conversation that will best advance the meeting’s purpose, then design the meeting to enable that conversation. Remember, how people engage depends on how welcome and comfortable they feel.
4. How might we create the conditions for that conversation?
First think about what does your group need to be able to dig into the conversation at hand?
Next, how might the group best engage to achieve your stated goal. These thoughts can build your opening comments.
5. Ensure forward progress:
People’s motivation is highest when they experience forward momentum, or progress toward a meaningful goal. By intentionally designing your meetings, you can help your team shift from viewing meetings as obstacles to viewing them as engaging conversations in which progress accelerates — because they are working toward a defined goal with the right people, in a productive way, with the information they need to do it well.
Information kindly donated by www.thinkers.co.nz
Information in this microtraining sheet may be abridged and therefore incomplete. This information does not constitute and should not be considered a substitute for appropriate professional advice.