In today’s hybrid work environment, we expect people to deliver results without necessarily sitting around a table with us. It’s more important than ever that we have meeting discipline that helps empower others.
Start by sending out agendas in advance. 
During meetings, use direct questions to participants to bring them in and prompt their ideas.
It’s critical to provide a psychologically safe environment for people to respond. After someone shares an idea, practice “backbriefing” – restating what you think you heard to confirm understanding. This shows people they’re free to communicate ideas.
Use decision trees to clarify which decisions are yours and which belong to your team. This takes courage – the courage to say, “I’m willing to underwrite some of your ideas. I’m going to listen with the intent to understand. I’m going to trust and empower you to accomplish difficult tasks.”
When you allow people to process questions in advance and present their ideas, and you listen carefully and confirm what you’ve heard, the buy-in level increases. As buy-in increases, team member commitment and accountability rise too.
Remember, the most powerful form of accountability is mutual accountability – when we hold each other accountable because we’ve made a commitment to our team and our mission.
So… How are you making your meetings more effective in today’s hybrid work environment? I’d love to hear your ideas. Drop me a line or contact me directly by clicking here.
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