Creating Great Meetings (Scene Four)

    In the previous three issues of Pep Talk™ we provided the skills to change boring meetings into GREAT MEETINGS! We hope you’ve used some of these tips and techniques.

    It's time for our final scene of this well rehearsed production. In Scene Four you will learn how to be the "Realizer" and implement everything for successful meetings. Who doesn’t want to go into a meeting with a great vision and leave with feeling something really got accomplished?

    To have a successful meeting you need to be able to implement the skills we’ve discussed previously, those of a Visionary, Explorer, Integrator and now Realizer.

Here’s a brief review:
• The Visionary works from respect and integrity and gets everyone involved in solving the problems of the day.
• The Explorer checks assumptions and intentions and is open to outcomes even if it is different from what the leader expected. The Explorer is able to solve conflicts that cause stagnation and poor morale.
• The Integrator asks clarifying questions, questions without “yes” or “no” answers. Trust is developed by preventing sidebars and zingers and keeping everyone involved in the dialogue. A key here is timing and understanding the dynamics of the group.

    In Scene Four, the Realizer encourages the right dialogue to build healthy relationships that ultimately lead to satisfied employees and a stronger bottom line.

So how can you become a Realizer?
• Set some Ground Rules at the beginning of the meeting, what is acceptable behavior to move the group forward? Establish ground rules around agenda, time, breaks, cell phones, etc. This sets the mood for great communication and shows how you plan meet your objectives of the meeting.
• Get everyone focused—take one minute to have everyone sit quietly and reflect on what they want to accomplish in the meeting.
• Allow time to get current and see what’s on everyone’s mind. If there’s a crisis brewing in your organization, today may not be the day to plan your new marketing strategy!
• Share the leadership, let others take on some of the facilitation; it's great practice for them and makes you respected by others.
• If you’re spinning around on a subject with no closure then suggest after three go-rounds with no consensus, maybe it’s best to let it rest & revisit next time.
• Acknowledgement goes a long way. Give credit and thanks for participation and sticking to the guidelines. Appreciation fosters creativity.
• Have people make their commitments to complete an assignment in front of the group—it sticks better when we say it out loud and in the presence of others.
• One Word Closing - allow everyone to reflect on the accomplishments of the group, in just one word!

    So, you've learned how to turn those boring, going nowhere meetings into "WOW" meetings and unleashing the hidden talents in your team. It takes rehearsal upon rehearsal to perfect the art of a great production. We hope you practice the four scenes to orchestrate your own finely crafted theatre and that you receive a standing ovation!!!

    For more practice or how to be a complete leader, check out the details of Total Leadership Connections^TM, where you can learn how to lead Great Meetings and more. Check the dates on the sidebar, we're starting our 25th session in June; guess we're doing it right!!!