Effective meetings are driven by agendas and often include a variety of issues, topics, and discussion points. Naturally, leaders organize meetings topic-by-topic to keep the discussions focused and on track. Look at virtually any meeting agenda at nearly any enterprise, and you will find a topic or issue-driven agenda.
I've used this technique before, but blended with the traditional format. I was going at it from a different perspective than the rest of the executive team at the time (I seemed to be the only one sensing the urgency at the time about the topic).
The item was quickly discussed and agreed, probably because they were asked the questions in advance. It was almost a "well of course we can" or similar positive outpouring.
Framed traditionally and we would probably have been sat around for hours discussing the finer detail when the priority was a decision.
I think that is where it comes into its own - use it to get quicker decisions and less arguing and frivolous debating.
I think this is a superb recommendation. We have all participated in many meetings over several years that, in many instances, are a waste of time. I like the idea of announcing in advance of a meeting the 4-6 questions that are going to addressed during the meeting. It will surely lead to a more effective and efficient meeting. An added benefit in such an approach is it will likely result in more of the participants contributing and being willing to speak up. Another approach I used fairly often while serving in leadership positions over many decades is identifying in advance of meetings the decisions that were going to be addressed, and hopefully made, during the upcoming meeting. That way attendees could recommend before the meeting the decisions they felt needed to be made and also come prepared to add their insights and recommendations. At least from my perspective, meetings are always more productive when leadership actually makes a decision(s) on important issues facing the organization. It has been my experience well-led organizations understand meetings are an important component of organizational climate and culture. Such enlightened organizations seek ways for their meetings to be productive, inclusive and places where decisions are made and attendees leave with more knowledge and/or new information
I used to use this technique of shaping an agenda around questions rather than topics. It totally changes the focus, pacing, and tone of the meeting if done right. Meetings don't have to be pits of tediousness, wasted time, and despair.
In my experience, just having an agenda is a single. Sharing the agenda in advance is a double. Actually following the agenda during the meeting is a triple. And using questions in the agenda rather than topics is a home run.
I've used this technique before, but blended with the traditional format. I was going at it from a different perspective than the rest of the executive team at the time (I seemed to be the only one sensing the urgency at the time about the topic).
The item was quickly discussed and agreed, probably because they were asked the questions in advance. It was almost a "well of course we can" or similar positive outpouring.
Framed traditionally and we would probably have been sat around for hours discussing the finer detail when the priority was a decision.
I think that is where it comes into its own - use it to get quicker decisions and less arguing and frivolous debating.
Well put.
I think this is a superb recommendation. We have all participated in many meetings over several years that, in many instances, are a waste of time. I like the idea of announcing in advance of a meeting the 4-6 questions that are going to addressed during the meeting. It will surely lead to a more effective and efficient meeting. An added benefit in such an approach is it will likely result in more of the participants contributing and being willing to speak up. Another approach I used fairly often while serving in leadership positions over many decades is identifying in advance of meetings the decisions that were going to be addressed, and hopefully made, during the upcoming meeting. That way attendees could recommend before the meeting the decisions they felt needed to be made and also come prepared to add their insights and recommendations. At least from my perspective, meetings are always more productive when leadership actually makes a decision(s) on important issues facing the organization. It has been my experience well-led organizations understand meetings are an important component of organizational climate and culture. Such enlightened organizations seek ways for their meetings to be productive, inclusive and places where decisions are made and attendees leave with more knowledge and/or new information
I used to use this technique of shaping an agenda around questions rather than topics. It totally changes the focus, pacing, and tone of the meeting if done right. Meetings don't have to be pits of tediousness, wasted time, and despair.
In my experience, just having an agenda is a single. Sharing the agenda in advance is a double. Actually following the agenda during the meeting is a triple. And using questions in the agenda rather than topics is a home run.