We know that every business day is consumed by meetings - that's the way decisions are made and paths are established but... must they be so long, so frustrating, so time wasting?
If you are tired of sitting through rounds of meetings then it's time to take charge and challenge traditional thinking.
Start asking yourself these questions...
1. Before you call any meeting STOP and ask, "What outcome am I striving for?" You must be absolutely clear about the intended outcome - before you proceed.
2. Who 'needs' to be at the meeting? Note 'needs' not interested or wants to be included.
3. Do I need them to be present or do I just need information from them that I can present to the others?
4. Do I need these people for the entire meeting? (I can ask people to step in at specific points or allow them to leave when they are no longer making contributions).
5. What will I need to do to ensure I manage the conversation so I hear and understand the different points of view before I make any decisions?
6. How can I ensure I obtain commitment and a firm action plan showing who is doing what and by what date?
Monday, June 1, 2009
Reverse the downward spiral
When leaders listen to the media messages that flow steadily from reporters, talk show hosts and the news broadcasters, there is a natural tendency to believe that the doom and gloom stories that are dominating the airwaves MUST apply to them too. This in NOT always the case.
We have coached leaders in many organizations who have gone on to create extraordinary results - often in an economic downturn. Many businesses DO grow during global downturns - we have seen it.
The leaders in these growth organizations are visionary and articulate; they are turning to creative avenues to build and expand their current services, but more importantly they are capturing the minds and hearts of their entire workforce to fight back. The general attitude is demonstrated in a single-minded belief - we are going to survive; we are going to be stronger; we are going to do well because we have knowledgeable, skilled and dedicated employees who want to meet the challenge.
These leaders know how to inspire, to motivate, to challenge their employees often with amazing results. Can you imagine what it would be like to have every single employee as a member of your sales and marketing team?
We have coached leaders in many organizations who have gone on to create extraordinary results - often in an economic downturn. Many businesses DO grow during global downturns - we have seen it.
The leaders in these growth organizations are visionary and articulate; they are turning to creative avenues to build and expand their current services, but more importantly they are capturing the minds and hearts of their entire workforce to fight back. The general attitude is demonstrated in a single-minded belief - we are going to survive; we are going to be stronger; we are going to do well because we have knowledgeable, skilled and dedicated employees who want to meet the challenge.
These leaders know how to inspire, to motivate, to challenge their employees often with amazing results. Can you imagine what it would be like to have every single employee as a member of your sales and marketing team?
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