From the “eagles peak,” you are more likely to “see” hazards to conversational momentum. Get to the peak quickly so you can intercept obstacles before they put productivity too far out of reach.
Did you ever lead a meeting that felt like you were running in mud?
Does your team, at times, seem like it’s moving in slow motion when solutions seem self-evident?
Have you ever wondered why your team’s conversation strays so far from the purpose of the meeting?
Does your staff continually ask you to make decisions rather than take initiative to achieve self-directed resolutions?
If any of these scenarios sound familiar, then you might have been listening to what they were SAYING and missing what they were DOING. As a leader, ask yourself:
- Who is the informal leader of the group?
- What is their leadership style?
- Is a pair on the team controlling the conversation?
- Is there a conflict in the group, and if so, how is the team supporting its continuation?
- Is anyone being excluded from the dialogue?
- Where is the trust level?
- Are the group norms in sync with the mission of your company? If not, then how did the conversation get off track?