Business Meetings in 7 Words
In business only two types of significant personal activity exist: individual activity and meetings.
Both are often so wasteful of energy...why?
Because clarity is missing.
Meetings typically are often cold, boring and awkward, or hot, emotional and uncontrolled—neither condition being optimal. Most lack even a clear agenda agreed by all participants, and they seldom reach their potential to harness all the resources available.
The 7 Words Method can help
Research into meetings has determined some quite alarming data
(refer to http://www.effectivemeetings.com)
Professionals who, in meetings:
doze 39%
daydream 91%
do other work 73%
fail to attend in full 95%
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The Realization
There are 7 types of meetings
NO type meetings
These No meetings are to do with statements of authority, making rules explicit, mutuality of respect, testing of power, revision of borders, and setting down markers to provide for peaceful co-existence. Anything to do with boundaries, enforcement of authority, determination of identity, discovering truth and whether to say No.
Examples might include military parades, armies face to face at the frontier, school assemblies, unpleasant dutiful family dinners at Christmas or Thanksgiving, and the aspect of AGM’s that is required by law and relates to the determination of exactly who has rights and duties.
HELLO type meetings
These are mostly to do with reports and discussions, hand-outs, debates, lectures and presentations, measurements, assimilation and questions.
Such things as informal conversations, weekly information updates, routine sales calls, brainstorming, marketplaces, trade shows, conferences and classes—where there is an exchange of information, an openness of attitude and no pressure to fulfil a goal.
THANK YOU type meetings
These are meant to be enjoyed: social events, lunches, wine bar liaisons, tea-breaks, member-only groups, family outings, sport, occasions to dress up for, and of course the annual ‘Office Party’ where people are shown a little more appreciation and given the opportunity and even encouragement to do what usually they would not.
GOODBYE type meetings
These include things like: identifying problems, looking for options, reaching decisions, announcement, judgement and termination. We can think of these as the ‘nitty gritty’ ones and are often intense and confrontational, which can be good if contained properly; they often stand out as watersheds. Opposite points of view are populated and battles take place—imagine the police and the demonstrators meeting on the streets.
There is great danger that the issues themselves are subordinated to the egos of the participants—who can behave like stags locking horns. Board meetings, management meetings, wars and legal questions either behind closed doors or in court are all examples.
PLEASE type meetings
These happen when we are trying to persuade others and win their cooperation. Examples include rallies, promotional gatherings, launches, sales visits where persuasion is paramount, and worshipful congregation. We would look for agreements, deals, co-opting, sweeteners, partnership and healthy negotiations where each is mutually looking to please the other.
SORRY type meetings
Things like inspection, official enquiries, trials, corrective measures, penalties and reprimands come under this heading. Discipline is subject to scrutiny at meetings like annual staff reviews, official tax interviews, audit examinations. These are not the most popular type! Often to do with blame, although more properly the giving of constructive feedback about what is not working well.
YES type meetings
There are occasions when permission is required; application is made to a higher authority that allocates finance, building permissions or taxi licences for example. Often there are stages to go through: reasons given for refusal, discussions about overcoming objections, finding harmonious compromise, determination of any underlying, hidden issues, reapplication, costs and fees payable and generally proof of one’s deference to the authority. Also aspects of the AGM are Yes-like, particularly the voting power of the shareholders.
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TheSolution
In every meeting there are 7 quite different things going on—and a truly aware manager will be able to address all of them.
Types of Meetings / Aspects of Meetings
Marking boundaries
Exchange of information and attention
Engendering rapport
Taking decisions
Intending to persuade
Needing to account for behaviour
Getting the okay
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