Meetings that strengthen the team

Every interaction matters. Many of us on teams have never even met in person. We don’t know each other’s backstory. We haven’t mastered reading each other’s body language. Often, we cannot see if someone’s in conflict or having a rough time. Whether your teams work remotely, back in the office, or hybrid, every interaction either strengthens connection or puts it to the test.

Keeping everyone on the same page is challenging, so getting meetings right is more important than ever. If your teams have taken the SDI, we give you specific meeting tips for each of them. But if they haven’t taken the assessment yet, ask yourself, “How can I tailor this meeting to each person involved?” To get you started, here are some ideas.

MEETING TIPS

If you’re meeting with a person that values:

Putting others first

Allow a little informal time for personal connections and conversations at the start.

Getting things done quickly

Document decisions made. If a decision cannot be made now, identify a time/place to decide.

Making sure the right process is followed

Clearly state the process you will follow to move through the agenda and make decisions.

Encouraging others to succeed

Acknowledge the ideas and contributions of others; applaud good work and sincere effort.

Helping others become self-sufficient

Don’t push for quick decisions. Give people time to think.

Crafting winning strategies

Think systemically, focus on how the topic relates to other priorities and objectives.

Bringing all team perspectives together

Allow some time at the end for a bit of playfulness or fun.

Experience SDI – a tool for better meetings and collaboration

The Strength Deployment Inventory (SDI) is an engaging online tool that provides insight into how you and your colleagues function – both in communication and collaboration.

You get: