| |
Managing Monsters in Meetings - Part 6, Deadlocked Discussions
By Steve Kaye
Although a meeting is a vehicle for resolving differences, it can break down when the participants become mired in a disagreement.
Approach 1: Form a subcommittee
Ask for volunteers from the opposing viewpoints to form a subcommittee to resolve the issue. This is a useful approach, because: 1) The issue may require extensive research, which is best completed outside the meeting, 2) The people who caused the deadlock will be responsible for solving it, or 3) The effort to resolve the issue will test its priority. That is, if no one wants to spend time finding a solution, then perhaps the issue (or at least the controversy) is unimportant.
Ask for a subcommittee by saying:
"There seem to be concerns about this issue. Rather than use everyone's time in the meeting, I want a subcommittee to resolve this and report back to us. Who wants to be on it?"
Approach 2: Ask for an analysis
If a minority obstructs resolution, ask them to analyze the issue and propose alternatives. You can say:
"You seem to view this issue differently. Could you help us understand your position by preparing an analysis of the issue with workable alternatives?"
As with a subcommittee, this approach will either uncover essential considerations or test commitment. In either case, it moves the deadlock out of the meeting so you can proceed.
Use these techniques to hold effective meetings by putting your work back on track.
This is the sixth of a seven part article on Managing Monsters in Meetings.
About the Author
IAF Certified Professional Facilitator and author Steve Kaye works with leaders who want to hold effective meeting. His innovative workshops have informed and inspired people nationwide. His facilitation produces results that people will support. Sign up for his free newsletter at http://www.stevekaye.com. Call 714-528-1300 or visit his web site for over 100 pages of valuable ideas.
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/2157.html
| If you wish to add the above article to your website or newsletters then please include the "Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/2157.html" as shown above and make it hyperlinked. |
| Some other articles by Steve Kaye | How to Select a Meeting Facilitator
Meeting facilitation is a complex activity. Thus, you want to make sure that you engage someone who knows how to help you get results. Here's what to look for.
1) Is the person a professional facilitator?
...
Why Olivia Refuses to Attend Meetings
Olivia Felini is a wonderful cat. She will do almost anything, except go to meetings. Here's why.
1) No one asks her to participate.
Olivia always comes prepared to be part of ...
How Bad Can a Meeting Be?
There are the winning entries from a bad meeting contest (condensed and sanitized to protect the participants)
1) Short, Expensive, and Useless.
First, she sent a letter to a prospective client in New York, proposing ...
More Than One Type of Goal Leads to Success
Most people set goals. But they often set only one type of goal, and in so doing they set themselves up for failure.
Here is the complete tool kit. Use it ...
The Secret to Effective Leadership
Treating people with respect wins trust and develops lasting relationships. Here's what to do.
1) Be on time. In fact, ...
How to Survive in a Crazy World
Everything seems to go faster, leaving everyone feeling overworked, overloaded, and overwhelmed. Here's how to survive.
1) Know Your Purpose.
Know your vision, your goals, and your plans because these help ...
|
|
| |
|
