Introverts in an extrovert world?
The United States is one of the world’s most extrovert culture, and business is a place where it is particularly prized. Do we lose something from that? What if you’re an introvert in an organization where the extrovert behaviors are the benchmark? Some say that the single most important aspect of personality is where you sit on the spectrum of introversion/extroversion. It influences career and spouse choices, how we communicate, make decisions, resolve conflict and show love. It...
Read MoreFraming a good meeting
We sit in so many meetings, but how many are satisfying? I cringe remembering bad meetings I’ve run. That’s why I’m passionate now about preparation. I guess I value time (mine and others) more than I used to. After all, a one hour meeting of 6 people means 6 hours of time away from other work. That’s worth some preparation instead of “winging it,” isn’t it? I think of holding a meeting like building a house: I need a strong frame. That requires good plans, and a crew that...
Read MoreSummer Bytes: 5 Decision Paths
“Shouldn’t I always work toward consensus decisions in my team?” asked several clients recently. Here are five different processes for reaching good decisions: Leader makes the decision independent of the team. Leader consults the team for input but reserves the right to make the final decision Leader delegates the decision to the team (which may or may not include the leader participating). In this case there are two options: Unanimous decision Majority rules Seems obvious? So...
Read MoreFraming makes for good conversation & meetings
Beams, joists, window and door headers are all part of framing a house. I once had a builder’s license and a building company. Framing is also a necessary part of effective conversations, meetings, and leadership. In building, framing is the process of creating the structure. As you watch it go up, it creates the outlines of the rooms. It’s the skeleton of the house. It’s the same in conversations and meetings. Framing creates the context, and the structure. I work regularly...
Read MoreWhy chit-chat matters!
Whether you are selling something, offering performance feedback, or just having a meeting, taking time for what some scathingly call “chit-chat” is crucial to success. If you’re tempted to ignore it when rushed, you’re missing connection, becoming present, and gauging your audience. I’m calling chit-chat the time that it takes, whether two minutes or days, to meet and connect in this moment with the other person or people. It is the act of the human being in you reaching out...
Read MoreBest Style for a Leader
Like a piano, we all have many ways to sound. How do you sound at meetings? Black keys, white keys, do you play them by choice, or by default? Different keys when stressed? This week, I was asked by a client to help them prepare for a difficult meeting. We reviewed agenda, data that would be needed. Then I asked, “how do you want to show up?” “What do you mean?” they asked. “What part of you will be needed? What kind of energy?” They still didn’t get it, so I gave...
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