Have you ever witnessed a bad date in progress?
While I was out and about this Valentine’s week, I noticed a couple who spent their entire evening browsing and texting, independently, on their cell phones.
Instead of enthusiastic and engaging conversation, the couple struggled with awkward silence, boredom and distraction. Eye contact was minimal, arms were crossed, smiles were rare, and bodies were leaning away from the table. The woman escaped to the restroom, the man stepped way to answer an “important” phone call, and the relationship seemed doomed.
Light bulb moment! Bad dates look a lot like a bad meetings! Is the reverse true as well? Does a great date also resemble a great meeting? Of course! Here are a few examples of the similarities between great dates and great meetings:
- Focus. Attendees at great meetings focus on each other. They listen intently, they silence their devices, they stay until the end and often linger to finish important discussions.
- Interesting (two-way) conversation. Meaningful dialogue provides a foundation for great meetings. When one person controls the discussion, meetings suffer. Engaging conversation involves all participants, productive words, and lots of thought-provoking questions.
- Fun. During a great meeting, we see smiling and hear laughter. Attendees make important connections that build relationships. The host should not be the only winner–all attendees should gain something from the experience.
- Commitment. A great meeting leaves attendees inspired, motivated and hopeful about the future. The next steps seem obvious and the team is committed to move forward with shared goals.