Meeting Management – Input

We previously addressed starting on time and getting back on topic.*  This week, let’s take a look at how to address when only one person speaks and people regularly come unprepared.*  * 

If there is one person who speaks the most; speaks for the “group”; or speaks over others, then you as a facilitator or a participant can step in.*  How?*  Thank that person and ask for other’s input.*  Maybe even allow small groups to team together with topic questions, statements and recommendations.*  If you are aware of personality styles, you already know that some people will not appreciate being put on the sport or being the center of attention.*  The small group discussions help overcome that concern since they can talk among colleagues and within a smaller number of people.

Know that silence usually means disagreement.*  Thus, if a person says “we all feel that way” or “everyone thinks so” do not accept this blanket statement.*  Ask others to voice their opinions either during the meeting or they can come to you one on one.*  However, set the guideline that you will not take action when blanket words are used such as “everyone, never, no one, always” or words to that affect.

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