Some good statements to have in your meeting leadership
repertoire
a. “What can we do, or how can we change this proposal, to get everyone
on board?”
b. “Turn to your neighbor and share……..
c. “I need to have an idea of your thinking up to this point … please
indicate if you like this proposal.” (Thumb Survey)
d. “We seem to be stuck.. Can we let __________ look into this
and move ahead if they like what they see?” (Thumb Survey)
e. “We are out of time for this discussion. Are we ready to decide?”
Or, “Shall we take five more minutes?” (Thumb Survey)
f. “Hold that thought. Let me write it on the board so we won't
forget it.”
g. “So you seem to be in favor of the proposal.” (Or, “So you
seem to be not in favor,” )
h. “What information do we need to make a good decision?” (and
list on board)
i. “Great idea. I wonder if I could meet you later and you could
help me decide what committee should discuss that.”
j. “Because I see all threes, fours, and fives, I believe we have reached
consensus and the proposal is adopted.”
k. “I'm not sure I understand you. Are you saying that…..?”
How not to get shot!
Some strategies on dealing with unpleasant news or difficult problems:
With thanks to Michael Grinder & Associates
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When breaking bad news, a visual is especially helpful. ("Show but don't
tell.") Use flip chart to separate the message from the messenger.
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Get the message "off to the side," and then look at it yourself.
Use your eyes to focus the group attention on the chart.
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Into the meeting, try moving the "bad news" chart to the side or rear as
"good news" solutions are developed.
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Acknowledge resistance. ("I know you don't want to hear this...and
there is a good reason why!")
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Focus on facts and descriptions, not interpretations.
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Position your body at 90 degree angle, or side-by-side, if possible (such
as sitting around a table)
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The problem is "it" but he solution is "we." When discussing
the problem, speak in third person rather than first or second person as
much as possible.
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Use the "we" hand gesture (move hand back and forth) when discussing the
solution, to indicate that "we" are a team. Don't stand behind a
podium. Get "up close" the the participants.
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Go ahead and let any irate persons speak: "play his/her rehearsed
tape."
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When answering a question, offer the answer, don't state
the answer! ("We might want to consider......" is better than "OK,
here's the answer.")
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Feel/felt/found
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I know how you feel.
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I've felt that way myself.
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I've found, however, ________
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