Three simple questions to ask and include to have a meeting with a difference, that will build more knowledge in organisations, help with productivity and create a more solution focused outcome.
Meetings are part of our everyday life but how many meetings that you attend, are very productive?
The professional way to have a meeting is to send out an agenda with items of discussion and timing but let’s get real (and honest) unless it is an executive board meeting with the company secretary – generally, the meetings with colleagues and that are setup on the day, this professionalism and excellence is hardly ever implemented (well at least from observation and experience).
To have a meeting with a difference that is more productive, connects each person in the room to a common goal and at the same time builds knowledge and helps us learn can happen just by implementing questions.
We can learn from entrepreneurs in this regard, they answer this important question first.
What problem/challenge are we here to solve?
Firstly, as the meeting organiser, start with this question to get agreement that you are here to solve x, y or z. This brings unity, focuses the group on a common goal and everyone in the room has clarity before the discussion.
Secondly, have the discussion – keeping this question top of mind and the intention to find or bring solutions to the table will be more likely.
Before the meeting closure, this is the second question is: Have we solved or at least closed the gap with steps and a plan to getting closer to this solution? This addresses the original intent that the outcome has been focused on and achieved.
Finally, the bonus question and this can accelerate knowledge, learning and ideas in the room for personal growth, contribution, and innovation is to go around the room/table/screen squares (these days) and ask each person – what was your insight or learning from today’s conversation?
Why is this important? There are often people in the meeting who never had a chance to contribute (by choice or not) and who can contribute their experience and learning of the discussion.
Questions really enhance the thinking of people on your team and make the difference in meetings.
Here are a few of the reasons and benefits to implement this:
· Unity: The power of unity and connection, as each person is focused on the common goal.
· Solution mindset: The practice of being solution minded and bringing this mindset to the organisation.
· Communication: Improved communication by listening to feedback and learning.
· Innovation: The combined thinking in the room sparks new ideas, creativity, and knowledge building to become a more innovative organisation.
In summary, these are the three questions to use in every meeting:
1. What problem are we here to solve? (Opening)
2. Have we solved or at formulated steps/plan to solve the problem and the action to take? (Before the close)
3. What is your insight, learning or takeaway from the conversation today? (Each person to contribute at the close of the meeting).
Champs, you got this! Have meetings with a difference! Share with us your success and champion insights from this post.
