Inspired by a sign outside a meeting room I shot this Good Group Video Tip on site at a corporate headquarters.
One’s personal attitude and energy can have a huge impact on a meeting. A group can do many things perfectly – good agenda, good facilitation, shared information, right people at the table – but if just one or two people have unhelpful attitudes it can prevent the group from making good decisions. On the other hand, a few really great attitudes can elevate a group to new heights.
In the video I mention unhelpful attitudes like “I know best” and “certain people unworthy.” Other attitudes that are unhelpful for group decision making include “closed-mindedness,” “nothing good will come from this,” and “I don’t need to pay attention.”
Helpful attitudes mentioned in the video include “open-mindedness,” “humility,” and “positive belief that the group can make a good decision.” Other helpful attitudes include “group interests over individual interests,” “assume best intentions,” and “honor the group process.”
I have written many Good Group Tips about attitude and they are all organized in a single list here.
Thanks so much for your comment, Kimber. Love it when people engage so thoughtfully with these Tips and Videos.
Previous comment said it well. However, the attitude and personal responsibility for the energy we bring to group discussions also applies further down the hall from the Board Room.
The middle management layer of an organization often must have the initiative and take the responsibility to introduce and facilitate change that’s necessary. Personal agendas abound at this level, naturally. And not all are self-centered or only self-serving! Everyone has to assist in managing the group think and the outcome. Everyone brings a lot to the meeting. Everyone must be aware of the effect of what they bring and how they contribute.
Love love love this! This is KEY to the idea of generative discussions for boards!! So many times the CEO comes to the meeting fully armed and ready for the discussion. She’s thought about the question – and oh by the way “the answer” too — she’s done her homework, she’s maybe built some momentum with a trustee or two, and she’s totally ready to make the recommendation – BEFORE anyone else has a chance to even enter the room!
Generative discussions require that a question be posed to the group and that the group gets to group think. Of course, it’s helpful if there’s some background, and that there’s some kind of thought leadership to get it started. But then there has to be room for contributions by all to achieve…ahem…good group decisions.