Big Grower January 2021 - 10

THINK BUSINESS
Making the MOST of Meetings
Do you think you have too many meetings? Are you making the most of your meetings?
Here's something to remember - meetings are your job!
BY MARK RICHARDSON
M
eetings are how you effectively
communicate with each other. Meetings are
how you develop synergistic and innovative
ideas. Meetings are where you motivate and get
aligned on the top priorities. Not many big growers
have gone to " world class meeting school " (not
sure it exists), so most meetings are a product of
evolution and, often, tired habits.
If you were to rate your meetings (overall
company/management/sales/production
meetings) what grade (on a scale of 0 to 10) would
you give them? If you asked many of your team
members (management and production) if your
meetings are the highlight (or memorable) of the
week, would they say yes or no? Do you look
forward to conducting these meetings, or are they
more of an obligation or a routine?
PART OF YOUR JOB DESCRIPTION
Many years ago, I was traveling with a good
friend. We were discussing business and my
overall stress levels. I said to him that I felt like I
am always in meetings and if I had fewer meetings
I would be able to get so much more accomplished
in a week or month.
He then turned to me and said something that
I will never forget, " Mark, meetings are your job! "
While this is so simple, it dramatically changed
how I looked at meetings moving forward.
When you realize as a leader that it is your job
to communicate ideas and vision, it is your job
to lead synergistic discussions to make the best
decisions, it is your job to motivate and inspire
others to achieve or exceed goals - that is when
meetings become a forum to make all this happen.
After this revelation I began to look at meetings
very differently. Rather than just an obligation I
began to see them as an honor to take the business
to the next level. I started to treat them with a
degree of reverence and with greater importance.
TIPS FOR MASTERING MEETINGS
Here are a few simple tips or insights to help
you make world class meetings or at least to take
them to the next level.
EDITORIAL/DESIGN
Editorial Director Tim Hodson
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Editor Jasmina Dolce
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Retail Editor Teresa McPherson
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Digital Content Director Ana Olvera
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Multimedia Designer Amanda Mackey
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1. Ask " Why? " - It sounds simple, but many
meetings evolve (not by design) and it is
rarely questioned " why " we are having this
meeting. I always begin with asking myself
the three top meeting goals. Are these goals
really worthwhile and important? Does
everyone understand the three top meeting
goals? Are you and the business getting the
right ROI from the meeting? By asking why
and making it a discussion topic you will be
able to raise the bar. Many businesses I have
asked this question to have dramatically
reduced the number or frequency of
meetings while others have added a meeting
or two to the monthly blend.
2. Make them relevant - The meeting
content needs to be relevant. It also needs
to be fresh. After you cover specific updates
and metrics, most meetings need to allow
equal time for discussion and idea sharing
(short and long term).
3. Engage the participants - A great
moderator makes sure everyone is engaged
in the meeting. If some are not, then it is
generally the leader's fault. Try throwing
the less vocal members a softball question
or simply ask, " What are your thoughts on
Jim's idea? " It is important that everyone
feels respected and engaged. At the end ask
everyone for a highlight and you can judge
better the meeting effectiveness.
4. Make them fun - If meetings are fun,
people will enjoy them more. You want
to address the meeting goals, but don't
forget the fun. You might use a personal
ice breaker question occasionally or share
a funny story. I like to play business games
or discussion questions like, " Do we have a
tail wind or a head wind and why? " Another
question I ask is, " Let's pretend this is a
football game and we have just finished
the first quarter, what is the game score
and why? " By making the meeting fun it
not only makes it more enjoyable but also
makes it better and more creative.
ADVERTISING
Vice President, Group Publisher Bob Bellew
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Integrated Media Consultant - East Coast
Tiffany O'Kelley
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Integrated Media Consultant - West Coast
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Production Assistant Samantha Orsi
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5. Use visual tools and images - Many
people are visual thinkers. If you use visual
tools and metaphors it helps the meeting
members get it. Whenever you can try to
draw a diagram (or ask others to) to illustrate
what you are trying to convey. While this
can appear to be a little redundant to your
words, the likelihood for people to get it
is greater. Also use visual metaphors like
asking them to pick an automobile that best
describes the production team (a BMW or a
Ford?) then let them describe why.
6. Find the right cadence - We often like
or don't like a movie based on how long or
short it is. This is also true for meetings.
Finding the right length and the right
pace for a meeting is very important. This
may take some time to master, but begin
by asking the participants how long the
meeting should be. Commitment to the end
time and tweak it for future meetings. Again,
finding the right balance is key.
7. Make meetings a priority - When
meetings are a priority they start on time,
you and everyone is prepared. It is not OK to
miss the meeting casually or be late. Begin
to see this meeting as a performance and not
just information sharing. Begin with saying
to yourself that this meeting is a top priority
in my day and the bar will rise.
Being a meeting master takes time. It takes time
with your skills but also with the participants
getting the " great meeting " dance down. The first
step is become a student of outstanding meetings
and you will see them through a new lens.
Remember, " Meetings are your job. "
Mark Richardson is an author, speaker, columnist
and business growth strategist. He has written
several books on business management including
" How Fit Is Your Business? " and " Fit to Grow. " His
latest book is " Control Your Day Before It Controls
You: The 7 Steps to Mastering Your Time. " All of
his books are available on amazon.com. He can be
reached at mrichardson@mgrichardson.com.
STAFF
Corporate Office .........................616.887.9008
Audience Development Becky Stovall
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CEO Matt McCallum
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GPN accepts no responsibility or liability for the validity of information supplied by contributors, vendors, advertisers or
advertising agencies.
10 JANUARY 2021
MasterTag .................................................................4
Berger .......................................................................11
Atlas Manufacturing Inc.....................................7
AD INDEX
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Big Grower January 2021

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