Meetings are often boring and wasteful. In fact, I’ve always believed that they are the best method yet invented by mankind to convert energy into solid waste.
But if you try this simple meeting structure, you’ll improve them a lot, get lots done, and not be worn out at the end. Here goes:
Check in
Start with a brief check in or question. Trust is built by sharing a bit about yourself. If you ask a question once/week for a year, you’ll know 52 more things about each other than you did before. Here are a few simple examples of questions to ask in your meetings:
- What’s something you do around here that people don’t generally appreciate or notice?
- What’s a risk you’ve taken in your life?
- What do you do around here that energizes you?
- What do you do around here that depletes your energy?
- Name someone in your life who has been a mentor to you.
And on an on. I think the check in is important.
Make a meetings ‘issues list’
Ask everyone what issues need to be discussed with the whole group. If they don’t involve everyone, take it offline. Write down all the issues that need to be discussed. Then number them in order of priority.
Work through each issue, one at a time. And stick to your end time. If it’s an hour, adjust discussion accordingly so you can fit it all in.
Share wins
When the issues list has been discussed, share any wins that have happened since last meeting. As soon as wins are on the table, the energy in the room goes up. You can feel it.
Write down ‘the commits’
Who is doing what, by when? Write it down. Summarize the action steps that come from the meeting. Too often issues are discussed, and people leave meetings without crystal clarity.
Who is doing what, by when?
This simple meetings format will improve your efficiency, and make you happier and less miserable when you think of that looming meeting!
Trevor Throness is a speaker, consultant, and author of “The Power of People Skills.” He is also co-founder and senior instructor at professionalleadershipinstitute.com https://professionalleadershipinstitute.com/
Find more about “The Power of People Skills” here: https://www.amazon.com/Power-People-Skills-Dramatically-Performance/dp/1632651068
