Years ago, I was traveling with a good friend and discussing the business and my overall stress level. I said that I felt like I was always in meetings, and that if I had fewer meetings, I’d be able to accomplish more. My friend turned to me and said, “Mark, meetings are your job.” This remark dramatically changed how I looked at meetings moving forward.
I realized that, as a leader, it’s my job to communicate ideas and vision, to motivate and inspire others to achieve or exceed goals. Meetings are a forum for making these things happen. So I began to look at meetings as an honor and an opportunity to take the business to the next level. I started to treat meetings with a degree of reverence. Here’s how to hold outstanding meetings:
1) Know your reasons: Ask, “Why are we having the meeting?” I begin by asking myself: “What are the goals of the meeting and are they worthwhile? Does everyone understand the three top goals of the meeting?” By asking why and even making it a discussion topic at the meeting, you will be able to raise the bar.
2) Make it relevant: Meeting content must be germane and fresh. You need to cover specific updates and metrics, but be sure to allow equal time for discussion topics and idea sharing.
3) Engage the participants: A great leader or meeting moderator makes sure that everyone’s engaged. If some meeting participants are not, then it is the leader’s fault. Try throwing the less vocal members a softball question, or simply ask, “Bob, what are your thoughts on Jim’s idea?” Not only will you create a better overall meeting dynamic, but you may be surprised by the great insights that Bob has to offer.
4) Make meetings fun: If they’re fun, people will enjoy attending them more. You could occasionally use an icebreaker or share a funny story. Don’t hesitate to deputize one of your team members to share or do a fun activity in the meeting, too.
5) Use visual tools: Most of us are visual thinkers, and using visual tools and metaphors can help team members grasp concepts. For example, ask them to pick an automobile that best describes the production team, a BMW or a Ford? Then let them describe why. Another aid would be to ask the team to rate client experiences from 0 to 10, then have them explain why. This approach can help create alignment between you and your team.
6) Find the right cadence: An
appropriate length and pace for a meeting is important. Finding this rhythm takes some time to master, so begin by asking participants how long the meeting should be. Then make a commitment to stick
to the finish time, and tweak it as necessary for future meetings.
7) Make meetings a priority: When meetings are recognized as a priority, they start on time and everyone is prepared. Casually missing a meeting is not OK. Begin with planning the rest of your day around the scheduled meeting.
If you’re a skilled craftsman or a top-gun salesperson, you know it took time to develop those skills. Becoming a meeting master also takes time. And it will require some time for your team to learn the necessary skills too.
The first step is to become a student of outstanding meetings. Do that and you will see meetings through a new lens. Remember: Meetings are your job.
Mark Richardson, CR, is an author, columnist, and business growth strategist. He authored the best-selling book, How Fit Is Your Business? as well as his latest book, Fit to Grow. Reach him at mrichardson@mgrichardson.com or 301.275.0208.
Related Stories
Custom Builder
HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge Announces Forthcoming Resignation
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge has said that she intends to leave office later this month
Custom Builder
Floodproof on a Floodplain
An impressive addition to the IDEA Home series, the NEWLOOK Experience Home is a master class in engineering and creative design, with builder Michael Freiburger out-thinking an exceptionally tricky lot
Custom Builder
Why Start a Custom Building Business?
In this Taking Care of Business segment, expert coach and trainer Scott Beebe joins our host Duane Johns to talk about where custom builders could be getting off on the wrong foot
Custom Builder
3 Questions Answered About Reliable Energy in Home Construction
Energy expert Bryan Cordill makes a case for why and how propane is an answer to growing concerns about reliability and resilience in home construction
Business
Custom Builder to Talk Color Design with Becki Owens at IBS
At this year's IBS, renowned designer Becki Owens will sit down with host James McClister, editor of Custom Builder, to discuss a variety of topics from basic color play in design to the Allura Spectrum palette, a collection of Sherwin-Williams colors curated for the benefit of pros
Business
PERC Highlights Sustainability and Efficiency at IBS with 'Clean Build Conversations'
Hear from industry standouts Matt Blashaw and Anthony Carrino at this hour-long Show Village event
Business
The Five Foundational Cornerstones
Business coach Scott Beebe shares insights into the often ignored business basics that could be the difference between long-term success and failure
Custom Builder
Start With the Why: Fundamentals of the Custom Builder Business
In our inaugural episode of Taking Care of Business, host and custom builder Duane Johns sits down with Scott Beebe, head coach and founder of My Business on Purpose, to talk vision, purpose, mission, values, and more
Business
Why AI Is Now Key to Our Trade Partner Strategy
Thompson Custom Homes Business Manager Erin Day explains how AI became a crucial part of building and maintaining successful trade partner relationships
Business
Thriving in 2024: Tips for Succeeding in an Uncertain Environment
Author and sales expert Mark Richardson shares his insights on the industry and how to rethink your approach to success in the new year