Ugh! Another dreaded meeting to attend!

Too many meetings drag on without participants discussing the real problems.
People talk around the important issues, check their mobile devices, introduce unrelated topics, and so on — which all renders the meeting a waste of time.

How to plan meetings well and avoid some of these challenges, I discussed in my previous blog post. Leading and facilitating effective meetings are essential for your managers. Here are 4 strategies to implement a meeting culture where participants can contribute their best during inspiring and results-driven meetings.

1. Balance participation by giving everyone a turn to speak. Ask yourself:
   • Who would be great at starting a topic on the agenda?
   • Who is most affected by the outcomes and therefore needs to be asked for their view?
   • Who is likely to have a different view?
   • Who are seasoned on the topic and can provide sage advice?
   • Call on people who have not had a chance to participate.
2. Brainstorm by drawing pictures. Expand the scope of your team’s thinking by sketching and interpreting drawings which involves brain regions that lead to idea generation.
3. Use empathy to read your audience.
   • Who is supporting whom?
   • Who is coasting?
   • Where is in resistance?
   • Carefully reading people will help you manage the conflicts in the meeting.
4. Ban devices. Research shows we really can’t multitask. When participants focus on electronics they aren’t focused on hearing important information or contributing.

Managers can actually prevent meetings from derailing, influence people to participate, and get participants to hear each other’s views. Are your leaders running effective meetings? Join us to advance skills in our Effective Meeting Management and Facilitation Workshop. Let’s talk how we can customize a similar program for you.

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