Keeping Meetings On Track

We all have been in meetings with certain people who get our blood pressure to rise or just make us feel what a waste of time. Here are some of those people and hints on how you can maintain keep the meeting on track without coming across as a dictator or inept leader.

Non-Stop Nora.
Nora often begins on the agenda item, but then gets sidetracked on some other topic and is off and running. You think there is no really good way to tell her she's off base and wasting everyone's time without embarrassing her. There is "no really good way" unless you have an agenda. With an agenda it' simple. You say:

"Nora, that's a good point you're making, but right now we're discussing agenda point two. I see that Joe wants to make a comment. Or, "That really deals with agenda item four. Can you hold that thought and we'll get back to you." You've been frank but you haven't zapped anyone publicly.

Silent Sam.
On the opposite side is Sam, who is present because he can make a valuable contribution. It's just that he doesn't talk either because he's shy, frightened or intimidated. Be very careful how you draw him out. Avoid putting him on the spot with a direct question. as: "What do you think, Sam?" You're much wiser to phrase it as:

"Sam, as a department head, you've had experience with this. What suggestions can you make? Would you like to make them now or perhaps think about it?" This technique lets Sam make the decision on whether or not he wishes to talk and when. The "Sams" of the world may need some extra effort but it's vitally important that contribute to decisions that can have an impact on departmental or team performance.

Obstinate Ollie.
Ollie is a compulsive arguer. If someone suggests "eight" he will counter with "No, I believe it should be 12." Don't take it personally. Perhaps, he just likes to be a devil's advocate. Let Ollie have his say, but then ask for the group's opinion. Someone usually will respond and get the meeting back on track. As leader, try not to get into the fray, but let the group handle the situation.

Marcia Zidle, the 'people smarts' coach, works with business leaders to quickly solve their people management headaches so they can concentrate on their #1 job ­ to grow and increase profits. She offers free help through Leadership Briefing, a weekly e-newsletter with practical tips on leadership style, employee motivation, recruitment and retention and relationship management. Subscribe by going to http://leadershiphooks.com/ and get the bonus report "61 Leadership Time Savers and Life Savers". Marcia is the author of the What Really Works Handbooks ­ resources for managers on the front line and the Power-by-the-Hour programs ­ fast, convenient, real life, affordable courses for leadership and staff development. She is available for media interviews, conference presentations and panel discussions on the hottest issues affecting the workplace today. Contact Marcia at 800-971-7619.

Use QA As Your First Step To Outsourcing

Quality Assurance, or QA, is often given short shrift in... Read More

Planning a Productive Retreat

What value is there in leadership or team-building retreats? Just... Read More

Boost Your Leadership Skills By Disciplining Yourself In The Way Of The Question Mark

I'm often asked to come in to organizations and give... Read More

Why Management Kills Creativity

Ten or so years ago, an international consultant, specializing in... Read More

Truth or Consequences: How to Give Employee Feedback

In the bestseller, Good to Great, Jim Collins discovered that,... Read More

Employee Motivation: It?s More Than A Paycheck

Managers often ask, usually with exasperation, "How can I keep... Read More

Innovation, Idea Selection, Valuation

There is no sure fire route to commercial success, but... Read More

Creative and Innovative Culture, Change Management ? Three Easy Tests

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Communication Mix-Up

My friend Delia is the owner of a small private... Read More

Business Innovation ? Status Games

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Preventative Maintenance of Company Delivery Vehicles

If you have company delivery vehicles at your small or... Read More

Pitching to Employees

The senior flight attendant on the WestJet flight was starting... Read More

The Survey Feedback Process for Organizational Development and Change

THE PURPOSE OF SURVEY FEEDBACK:In globally competitive environments, organizations are... Read More

Know the Source of Business

One of the first questions we ask a prospect or... Read More

4 Steps to Success In Life, Business, The Universe And Everything

Everyone wants to succeed in life. And no one starts... Read More

Improved Communication to Improve Results

Facilitating good communication can make the difference between a well... Read More

Build Your Business (On A Shoestring): Hire a College Intern

Starting up a new venture or business can be one... Read More

Is Your Employee Newsletter Management Propaganda?

It should not be. If it is an effective newsletter,... Read More

Innovation Management ? Producing Great Products, Motivation

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Having Your Phil

February 2nd, at approximately 7:30 a.m. local time on Gobbler's... Read More

Interviewing: How to Stay Out of legal Hot Water

Some interviewers ask great questions; others ask dumb questions; and,... Read More

Creating A Vision ? Bringing Your Dreams Into Reality

Do you have some goals you want to achieve or... Read More

Meetings and Road Trips

Managing a meeting is like setting off on a long... Read More

You Get the Behavior You Reward

On consulting assignments, here are some of the questions I... Read More

The Gift of Gratitude

Gratitude might seem like a soft or even an obvious... Read More