Lead a Meeting Like a Facilitator Not Like a Boss

I and likely you, have attended supposed group meetings that were more like speeches, or even worse, an hour-long plus filibuster! I get it; you have information or guidance to convey. Perhaps it’s been a tough business quarter, and there need to be some changes. Certainly, the leader has some things that need to be clearly articulated. Except in very rare cases, engagement of the team leads to a much better outcome.

I’ve generally found that thinking of yourself as a facilitator of the meeting is a better approach than just standing in the spotlight and talking. Often there are team members who have personal experience relative to the topics being addressed or are perhaps doing a better job of overcoming some obstacles that others are finding themselves more challenged in tackling. Use the meeting time to bring those out; allow almost what I would call some brainstorming around the challenges. There are a couple of reasons
for doing this:

•  You as the leader, are not the “smartest person in the room”
•  A team member who has conquered the obstacle can provide his/her
  colleagues with the confidence of “if s/he can do it, so can I”!
•  It builds a culture of collaboration, even when individuals may have
  different focuses or account assignments, fostering the “a rising tide
  lifts all boats” mantra, is great for the entire team.
•  And the simplest reason; it’s just more interesting to hear
  conversation and multiple speakers, rather than one person droning
  on.

For many this may be your standard process, if not, perhaps give it a try. If you agree and/or routinely do this, I’d love to hear feedback on how this has worked for you.