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to stop a feeding frenzy should the stronger people begin to attack the weaker person's ideas? When the group starts spinning its wheels, be there with a comment such as: "Where do we go from here?" "What's the solution?" "Which way do you want to go?" "Let's back up and redefine the problem." |
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You don't have to have all the answers and make all the decisions, but you should be out in front. Either lead or give the responsibility to someone else and get out of the way. |
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Tip 363: Take your seat with forethought. |
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Choose seating arrangements as carefully as your meeting site. Where you sit makes a great deal of difference in how you interact with others and how they interact with you. Studies show that people seated across the table from each other tend to communicate more than those seated to the left or right. That across-the-table communication, however, may be adversarial rather than supportive. If you plan to present important ideas at the meeting, make sure that you're comfortable with the surroundings. When you arrive, take notice of where any audiovisual equipment is, what distractions the windows might create, the chance for interruptive phone messages slipped through the door, a ringing telephone, plants that might block someone's view, or a lectern that signals authority. |
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Tip 364: Take your body with you. |
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Appearances and posture count even when you're in an informal meeting, seated around a table. Yes, rolled-up sleeves, open collar, and stocking feet may be the attire for a "working meeting," but that's not always the attitude to convey. Someone who's "laid back" (meaning loose papers scattered, ruffled hair, sprawling in the chair, hands playing with trinkets and toys) conveys an informal lookand a disorganized mind and agenda. If you have something important to say, look like it. Sit erect. Organize your props and paperwork. Look alert and thoughtful. Your body reflects your mind. |
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Tip 365: Encourage participation from othersif you want it. |
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Some meetings serve only to inform. If that's your purpose, tell the audience what you're going to tell them and be done with it. But if your intention is to generate ideas, get feedback, or come to a decision, you may need to take a more active role in encouraging participation. |
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