Meetings as a Symptom: Why are we still having them in an era where we can transcend time and space? Zoom permits us to meet with anyone anywhere in the world. And so I think the symptom is managers need to be in control. When we have remote work, they're taking attendance when they can call a meeting and pontificate for 45 minutes.
Seth Godin: The Song of Significance
Seth Godin is the author of 21 international bestsellers that have changed the way people think about work. His books have been translated into 38 languages. Seth writes one of the most popular marketing blogs in the world, and two of his TED talks are among the most popular of all time.
He is the founder of the altMBA, the social media pioneer Squidoo, and Yoyodyne, one of the first internet companies. His blog is at seths.blog and his newest book is The Song of Significance: A New Manifesto for Teams*.
Seth says that the foundation of all real skills is the confidence and permission to talk to each another. No place is that more apparent than in our meetings. On this episode, Seth returns to help us move towards meetings of significance.
Key Points
The song of significance is about work that matters, being part of something bigger than each one of us, and doing things we’re proud of.
Many organizations and leaders hold meetings, but they are often reports and lectures. Meetings of significance are conversations.
Despite knowing the critical important of conversations, we tend to resist them in our roles. Our work is to begin those conversations.
Start with agreement on what a meeting is how we do work that matters through it. The problem is rarely with Zoom. The problem is how you show up to facilitate the meeting.
Create the culture you need to serve people well by setting the tone for it. You have more power than you think.
Resources Mentioned
The Song of Significance: A New Manifesto for Teams* by Seth Godin
Interview Notes
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Related Episodes
Five Steps to Hold People Accountable, with Jonathan Raymond (episode 306)
The Way to Have Conversations That Matter, with Celeste Headlee (episode 344)
How to Lead Meetings That Get Results, with Mamie Kanfer Stewart (episode 358)
How to Use Power Responsibly, with Vanessa Bohns (episode 551)
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