Leadership Tip

How to improve the behaviour in your next meeting

It’s helpful to start a meeting by agreeing on procedural rules, like “start on time and end on time” and “put phones on silent.” But ground rules that focus on behaviour, not just logistics, can help your meeting be even more successful. These rules describe specific actions that team members should take to act effectively. Here are a few to consider:

  1. State views and ask genuine questions. This rule discourages monologues and arguments, and encourages a conversation in which members seek to understand everyone’s point of view.
     
  2. Use specific examples and agree on what important words mean. You want all team members to use the same words to mean the same thing.
     
  3. Explain reasoning and intent. This allows members to understand how others reached their conclusions and see where their reasoning differs from yours.
     
  4. Jointly design next steps. This ensures that everyone is committed to moving forward together as a team.

The above leadership tip...
was sent in response to a question from a participant on our acclaimed 10/10 leadership development and mentoring programme and adapted from Eight Ground Rules for Great Meetings by Roger Schwarz. Whether you're a first time manager or an experienced leader, straightforward, practical advice on best practice is hard to find. Until now. To find out how you, your team or your organisation can benefit, please join us on our next complimentary webinar or contact us.


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