Managing Monsters in Meetings - Part 3, Drifting From the Topic - Answering Service Resources

Home
>
Leadership
>
Managing Monsters in Meetings - Part 3, Drifting From the Topic

Managing Monsters in Meetings - Part 3, Drifting From the Topic

Although new ideas lead to creative solutions, they can be a challenge when they interrupt or distract the work on an issue.

Approach 1: Question the relationship to topic

When new ideas seem inappropriate, say:

"That's an interesting point (or question). And how does it relate to our topic?"

"Excuse me. We started talking about our budget and now we seem to be discussing payroll administration. Is this what we want to work on?"

"We seem to be working on a new issue. I'm sure this is important, and I wonder what you want to work on with the time we have left?"

These statements greet the ideas with compliments and requests for clarification. This recognizes that the other person could believe the idea relates to the topic, which it may.

Approach 2: Place in the Idea Bin

Use an Idea Bin to manage unrelated ideas. This powerful tool is a blank chart page posted on the wall with the title: Idea Bin. Some groups call it an Issue Bin or Parking Lot. The scribe writes new ideas on this chart page or the participants write their ideas on Post-it(?) Notes that they place on the page.

Direct new ideas to the Idea Bin by saying:

"That's a great idea. Could you put it in the Idea Bin?"

When you plan the agenda, leave time at the end of the meeting to check the Idea Bin. You will find that many of the new ideas were resolved during the meeting. If possible, deal with the remaining ideas that have merit or place them on future agendas.

Use these techniques to bring your meeting back to the issue on your agenda.

This is the third of a seven part article on Managing Monsters in Meetings.

- - - - - - - -

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.

In The News:

Leadership Fight Frays Socialist Party in France
Washington Post, United States - 12 hours ago
... the main opposition to President Nicolas Sarkozy, fell into full disarray Saturday over a backbiting leadership struggle that betrayed deep divisions ...
French Socialists in disarray after leadership vote International Herald Tribune
Aubry wins French Socialist Party leadership The Associated Press
Aubry wins French Socialist leadership United Press International
Independent - International Herald Tribuneall 673 news articles

Leadership at the summit
Baltimore Sun, United States - 8 hours ago
With Don Schmincke, a Maryland-based business consultant, Warner has written a book, "High Altitude Leadership: What the World's Most Forbidding Peaks Teach ...

Key leadership posts up for vote in Kansas Legislature on Dec. 1
Kansas City Star, MO - 12 hours ago
1, Kansas lawmakers will vote on key leadership posts, deciding who writes the legislative agenda, appoints committees and manages the flow of bills. ...

Boston Globe
It seems Warriors GM Chris Mullin could be part of Knicks ...
New York Daily News, NY - 19 hours ago
With the trade of Al Harrington to the Knicks, the curtain has come down on Chris Mullin's reign as general manager of the Warriors. ...
Team leadership, players aren't merely biding their time before ... Newsday
all 717 news articles

ABC News
Congressional Leadership Rejects Proposed Auto Bailout Deal
Washington Post, United States - Nov 20, 2008
By Lori Montgomery and Kendra Marr Lawmakers failed to reach agreement today on a proposal to provide $25 billion in emergency aid to the ailing auto ...
SHERMAN FREDERICK: Obama's woe: Pelosi, Reid, Frank 'n' Dodd Las Vegas Review - Journal
Dems turn defensive on auto bailout San Francisco Chronicle
Democratic leaders balk at auto rescue compromise Kansas City Star
CQPolitics.com - Investor's Business Daily (subscription)all 3,640 news articles

ABC News
Hillary Clinton to State or to Senate Leadership?
U.S. News & World Report, DC - Nov 21, 2008
At best she could negotiate some highly influential leadership post for herself, which the party and Democrats in the Senate more than owe her following her ...
Video: New US Administration to clean up the mess RussiaToday
An Option for Clinton: Enhanced Senate Role New York Times
Senate leadership role for Hillary? Politico
NY1 - Media Matters for Americaall 3,323 news articles

Leadership, one day at a time
San Francisco Chronicle, USA - 13 hours ago
Marilyn Carlson Nelson, chairwoman and former chief executive of Carlson Cos., will speak on leadership in a Dec. 2 program at San Francisco's Commonwealth ...

Bristol Herald Courier
PREP GIRLS BASKETBALL: Hash, Patton Provide Leadership For Warriors
Bristol Herald Courier, TN - 11 hours ago
Chilhowie’s Krystal Patton drives to the basket in a game played last season in Smyth County. By Tim Hayes BY TIM HAYES Chilhowie High School juniors ...

guardian.co.uk
Wenger: I don't believe in leadership
guardian.co.uk, UK - 16 hours ago
Questioned as to whether an absence of leadership was evident in the defeat, Wenger argued that Arsenal's worst League result in almost two years had been ...
Arsenal captain William Gallas should be thrown overboard by ... Telegraph.co.uk
Why has Arsene abandoned everything that worked before? Arsenal-Land
Gallas replaced by Almunia as Arsenal skipper CNN International
This is London - Independentall 1,105 news articles

Simons: KU needs strong leadership during challenging times
Lawrence Journal World, KS - Nov 22, 2008
Do they have the strength, leadership and vision to lead their companies in the upcoming challenging times? The largest employer in Lawrence is Kansas ...

leadership - Google News

Answering Service ResourceAnswering Service Resource