Timbals

Saturday, May 10th, 2008

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.

This entry was posted on Saturday, May 10th, 2008 at 1:18 am and is filed under Management Info. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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