Running meetings that matter with Mamie Kanfer Stewart
Oct 1, 2024
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Mamie Kanfer Stewart, host of The Modern Manager podcast and a specialist in effective meeting leadership, shares valuable insights on transforming meetings. She discusses the importance of identifying desired outcomes and the role of participant engagement in fostering productive discussions. Mamie highlights when it’s best to skip meetings and strategic approaches for enhancing hybrid gatherings. She also emphasizes creating an inclusive culture through open dialogue and leveraging feedback tools, ensuring meetings are both enjoyable and impactful.
Clearly defined outcomes are crucial for productive meetings, helping participants understand goals and contribute meaningfully to discussions.
Empowering team members to voice their thoughts during meetings fosters a collaborative culture that enhances engagement and respect within the organization.
Deep dives
The Importance of Meeting Outcomes
Every meeting should have a clearly defined desired outcome, which is essential for its success. Instead of focusing solely on the agenda, leaders are encouraged to articulate what specific results they hope to achieve by the end of the meeting. This approach helps participants understand the goal, enabling them to contribute more meaningfully. When everyone knows what to aim for, it becomes easier to assess whether the meeting was productive, fostering a sense of collaboration and engagement among team members.
When Not to Hold Meetings
Meetings should not be used to merely share information, especially when that information could be effectively communicated via other means, like emails or messages. It’s vital to hold face-to-face discussions only when the content is complex or highly sensitive so that nuances are not lost. Additionally, meetings should be seen as a secondary method of communication rather than the initial step in decision-making, allowing for preliminary discussions through emails or surveys. By reserving meetings for discussions that truly require collective input, organizations can save time and increase efficiency.
Creating a Positive Meeting Culture
Meetings can serve as a microcosm of an organization's culture, influencing employee engagement and interaction styles. When team members feel empowered to voice their thoughts and challenge ideas during meetings, it positively impacts their behavior in other work settings. Leaders should consciously cultivate an atmosphere where all voices are valued and encourage open feedback to enhance collaboration. This practice leads to higher levels of preparedness and engagement, reinforcing a culture of respect and cooperation throughout the organization.
Embracing AI in Meetings
The integration of AI tools in meetings can enhance efficiency but requires user understanding and proper utilization to be effective. These tools can automate tasks such as recording, transcribing, and summarizing meetings, allowing leaders to focus more on the discussion rather than note-taking. However, it is vital to conclude meetings with a recap of key actions and insights, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and that essential information is captured. By leveraging these technologies, organizations can streamline their meeting processes, enhancing collaboration and productivity.
Rachel sits down with Mamie Kanfer Stewart, host of The Modern Manager podcast, to dive deep into the art of leading effective and enjoyable meetings. From pinpointing desired outcomes to empowering participants, Mamie shares her wisdom on transforming meetings into productive, collaborative sessions that energize teams. They also explore when not to hold meetings and tips for navigating the hybrid meeting world.
Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast.