HBR blog had a terrific post on staying on message to win. Although the point is to address nah-sayers and arguments while presenting a new idea or approach, I find the advice in this post to be relevant in any type of meeting. I experienced a perfect example a few weeks ago.
We attended a mandatory kick off meeting comprised of about 20 teenagers and their parents, run and monitored by two highly capable teachers. The scheduled time was 3 hours. I see no reason for a three hour meeting. Just hearing the time frame makes me tired. Who can maintain concentration for that long of a stretch? However, I assume the meeting will be run smoothly and efficiently because of the massive amounts of material expected to be covered in that time frame.
Amongst problems like starting late, unknown technology and cramped facilities, the biggest challenge came about an hour into it when the meeting moderator experienced a complete loss of control. I really respect and like the moderator but the poor thing was over her head. The aforementioned blog would have really helped. You see the meeting was hi-jacked by two very loud and frankly obnoxious individuals.
Let me set the stage. It is 6:30 pm, a storm is blowing outside, I am tired and am sitting in a room full of strangers with little in common. The meeting starts late and no agenda in place. It appears the parents at this meeting are very proud of their kids and really feel the need to express their pride so as to make a connection. Note that is not my reason for being there. I am not interested in making friends or connections. I know bitchy, but come on I am a fairly busy person.
So the first hi-jacker decides she wants to help by bragging about her child's paper forming abilities. It is essential to this woman that she describe the process and patterns in excrutiatingly painful detail. Hey lady, why don't you set up a table after the meeting and anyone who gives a rat's fanny about it can meet you after the meeting to hear more of this fascinating child's skills set? But for now SHUT UP.
Next up comes the 150 year old man who decides to present his recollections in the form of what the kids will experience. Guess what grampa, time marches on and things change. Your advice and experiences are old. They may be interesting but not when we have important topics to review. Set yourself up next to the crazy lady above and beguile your audience after this meeting.
I can somewhat empathize with the moderators, who obviously felt they needed to give everyone a voice and to be kind in faking interest. But what about the rest of us who are ready to slit their wrists if these hi-jackers don't pipe down?
Maybe I am too aggressive and insensitive, but here is a little help for you wonderful moderators who do not want to hurt a potential hi-jacker's feelings. Try saying "BE THAT AS IT MAY, we need to move on". If that does not stop them, ignore them. Eventually they will shut up.
We attended a mandatory kick off meeting comprised of about 20 teenagers and their parents, run and monitored by two highly capable teachers. The scheduled time was 3 hours. I see no reason for a three hour meeting. Just hearing the time frame makes me tired. Who can maintain concentration for that long of a stretch? However, I assume the meeting will be run smoothly and efficiently because of the massive amounts of material expected to be covered in that time frame.
Amongst problems like starting late, unknown technology and cramped facilities, the biggest challenge came about an hour into it when the meeting moderator experienced a complete loss of control. I really respect and like the moderator but the poor thing was over her head. The aforementioned blog would have really helped. You see the meeting was hi-jacked by two very loud and frankly obnoxious individuals.
Let me set the stage. It is 6:30 pm, a storm is blowing outside, I am tired and am sitting in a room full of strangers with little in common. The meeting starts late and no agenda in place. It appears the parents at this meeting are very proud of their kids and really feel the need to express their pride so as to make a connection. Note that is not my reason for being there. I am not interested in making friends or connections. I know bitchy, but come on I am a fairly busy person.
So the first hi-jacker decides she wants to help by bragging about her child's paper forming abilities. It is essential to this woman that she describe the process and patterns in excrutiatingly painful detail. Hey lady, why don't you set up a table after the meeting and anyone who gives a rat's fanny about it can meet you after the meeting to hear more of this fascinating child's skills set? But for now SHUT UP.
Next up comes the 150 year old man who decides to present his recollections in the form of what the kids will experience. Guess what grampa, time marches on and things change. Your advice and experiences are old. They may be interesting but not when we have important topics to review. Set yourself up next to the crazy lady above and beguile your audience after this meeting.
I can somewhat empathize with the moderators, who obviously felt they needed to give everyone a voice and to be kind in faking interest. But what about the rest of us who are ready to slit their wrists if these hi-jackers don't pipe down?
Maybe I am too aggressive and insensitive, but here is a little help for you wonderful moderators who do not want to hurt a potential hi-jacker's feelings. Try saying "BE THAT AS IT MAY, we need to move on". If that does not stop them, ignore them. Eventually they will shut up.
1) Great idea to have the two "hijackers" (great noun for them) set up a table. I bet the line would be really long to speak w/ them.
ReplyDelete2) Where were you, BonBon - you usually are so aptly able to put people in their place?? Can't believe you sat there....quietly?????? Spill.
3) You are never too aggressive and insensitive - you are the consummate business woman that we need all around. You get to the point so that we DON'T NEED THREE-HOUR TOURS - I MEAN MEETINGS, GILLIGAN.