Monsters in Meetings - Part 6, Deadlocked Discussions
244
Business > Management
Mar 1, 2007
Steve Kaye
Monsters in Meetings - Part 6, Deadlocked Discussions
This one creeps up on you.
And if you let it continue, it will ruin your meeting.
At first it seems that the participants are working toward an agreement. They raise concerns. Then they explore the concerns. It all seems normal.
But it keeps going.
In fact, it expands. And soon you have an argument where neither side will let go. Your meeting is now stuck in a deadlock.
So how do you fix it?
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?"
Of course, if no one volunteers, that ends the deadlock. Then you say, "It seems that we lack support for this issue. In that case I want to return to our agenda. The next item is . . . ."
What else can you do?
Approach 2: Ask for an analysis
If a minority obstructs resolution, ask them to analyze the issue and propose alternatives. You can say:
"Some of 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 that you can proceed.
Notice that each of these approaches begins by acknowledging the truth, which is, a deadlock exists. Then it puts people to work on resolving the deadlock.
There's one more point.
Leaders work in a world of gray. In this case you have to allow some disorder and disagreement during the meeting as part of achieving a result. And you have to monitor the level of disorder because if it goes on for too long, you will have to intervene.
It's like recognizing that your car is about to run out of gas. This means it's time to buy more, rather than sitting there, holding the wheel, pretending that everything will be okay.
Use these techniques to put your meeting back on track.
This is the sixth of a seven part article on Monsters in Meetings. - - - Steve Kaye helps leaders hold effective meetings. He is an IAF Certified Professional Facilitator, author, and speaker. His meeting facilitation and leadership workshops create success for everyone. Call 714-528-1300 for details. Visit www.stevekaye.com for a free report.
And if you let it continue, it will ruin your meeting.
At first it seems that the participants are working toward an agreement. They raise concerns. Then they explore the concerns. It all seems normal.
But it keeps going.
In fact, it expands. And soon you have an argument where neither side will let go. Your meeting is now stuck in a deadlock.
So how do you fix it?
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?"
Of course, if no one volunteers, that ends the deadlock. Then you say, "It seems that we lack support for this issue. In that case I want to return to our agenda. The next item is . . . ."
What else can you do?
Approach 2: Ask for an analysis
If a minority obstructs resolution, ask them to analyze the issue and propose alternatives. You can say:
"Some of 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 that you can proceed.
Notice that each of these approaches begins by acknowledging the truth, which is, a deadlock exists. Then it puts people to work on resolving the deadlock.
There's one more point.
Leaders work in a world of gray. In this case you have to allow some disorder and disagreement during the meeting as part of achieving a result. And you have to monitor the level of disorder because if it goes on for too long, you will have to intervene.
It's like recognizing that your car is about to run out of gas. This means it's time to buy more, rather than sitting there, holding the wheel, pretending that everything will be okay.
Use these techniques to put your meeting back on track.
This is the sixth of a seven part article on Monsters in Meetings. - - - Steve Kaye helps leaders hold effective meetings. He is an IAF Certified Professional Facilitator, author, and speaker. His meeting facilitation and leadership workshops create success for everyone. Call 714-528-1300 for details. Visit www.stevekaye.com for a free report.
Write a Review
Add to My Favorite
Refer it to Friend
Report Article
Other links owned by this user
You remember these people for the wrong reasons. They are the monsters who hurt others with insults, ridicule, and sarcasm. They bully. They threaten. They attack. And that ruins your meeting. Personal attacks are
Category:
If you are like most business people, voice mail has both simplified and complicated your life. On the good side, it helps you exchange information. On the other side, leaving messages can seem like putting notes in bottles that drift off to sea. Here's
Category:
We welcome new ideas, sort of. True, new ideas lead to creative solutions. But, they can be a challenge when they interrupt or distract the work on an issue. Here's how to bring your meeting back on track when some offers an
Category:
Your outgoing voice mail message tells a lot about you. In fact, it may be the first impression that you make with a new client. Here's how to appear successful. 1) Present a Positive Image Your outgoing voice mail message
Category:
It happens easily. You're conducting a meeting and suddenly a small side meeting starts. Then two side meetings develop. Soon you have many meetings going at once, and all of them are out of control. Or maybe someone introduces
Category:
Most meetings are attended by a giant. These are the people who dominate a meeting with big ideas and big voices and big talk. While dominant participants contribute significantly to the success of a meeting, they can also
Category:
Side conversations ruin meetings by destroying focus and fragmenting participation. Here's how to bring your meeting back on track when a side conversation starts. Approach 1: Ask for cooperation Start by asking
Category:
This one creeps up on you. And if you let it continue, it will ruin your meeting. At first it seems that the participants are working toward an agreement. They raise concerns. Then they explore the concerns. It all seems
Category:
Reduce your fear of speaking by taking the following steps. 1) Conduct Research. Visit or call key participants to ask them what they expect from your presentation. That is, what do they want to learn from it? What do they
Category:
Sometimes you have people who appear to be spectators a meetg. There are many reasons why someone would decle to participate. For example, the person may feel reluctant to speak out, may disagree with the approach endorsed by others
Category:
Use these six strategies to communicate effectively. 1) You can accept anything without agreeing with it. Thus, acknowledge amazing requests and outrageous statements with responses such as: "That's an interesting
Category:
Other links at Business > Management
No one has ever started a home business with the intention of failing, yet there are five things they can do to make sure their business has little or no chance of succeeding.
Category:
Plan for success; it is about setting a direction and working towards it. Getting your thoughts down on paper helps you to articulate your success.
Category:
There are a number of reasons responsible for employing effective business coaching within an organization. People often tend to get confused between employee coaching and training.
Category:
Business coaching is a profession that provides business-related instructions and directions through encouragement and proper guidance. It helps in enhancing the efficiency of the employee and achieves professional growth. It boosts your performance and s
Category:
Simple ideas to help you reduce your stress level when owning an online business
Category:
Site Sponsor
Directory Statistics
Articles: 68228
Categories: 501
Yahoo Entertainment
