One Meeting Minute Thought for Your Week
We all know most meetings can be frustrating. So you want to do everything you can to reduce frustration in YOUR meetings.
And, being clear on the type of work you need to do in a meeting is critical to achieving this goal.
Because unless everyone’s aligned on this, people will get frustrated.
The 6 Types of Working Genius model provides the clarity you need.
Stages of work
Any type of “project” moves through 3 stages.
- Ideation
- Activation
- Implementation
These 3 basic stages of work apply to any endeavor, from a formal, structured project to an initiative you’re setting out to accomplish with a group of people.
Whether you’re meeting to accomplish something for your job, community, church, or family the activities will move through these 3 phases.
Ideation stage of work
This stage is about identifying a need or coming up with ideas on how to meet a need.
During a meeting in the Ideation stage, you need to focus on Wondering and Inventing.
Someone with the Genius of Wonder will ask questions and those with the Genius of Invention will say, “I have an idea!”
Activation stage of work
Most organizations overlook this stage. And, they pay the price!
They jump from coming up with an idea to implementing it without preparing people.
As a result, people don’t understand the concept and aren’t excited about moving forward with it.
So, it’s critical to recognize the importance of the Activation stage and not skip over it.
The Activation stage will have meetings where the team is Discerning and Galvanizing.
Implementation stage of work
Meetings during Implementation will be all about Enablement and Tenacity.
This is the time for the team members who have these two Working Geniuses to shine.
Those with Enablement are jumping in to support and assist in implementing the idea that started in the Ideation stage.
The Tenacity geniuses will stay on top of a project until it is accomplished and meets the desired outcome.
They push it across the finish line. Or, to say it another way, they “land the plane.”
How to NOT reduce frustration in your meetings
If you aren’t aware of the Working Genius model and the stages of work, you’re not going to reduce frustration during your meetings.
Because if you don’t get this right and do activities at the wrong time, people will get definitely get frustrated.
Here’s an example.
When you have someone with the Working Genius of Invention trying to introduce new ideas during the Implementation stage, the Tenacity folks who are trying to “land the plane” are going to get annoyed – and for good reason.
You’ve probably heard something like this:
“Dude! We need to get this project done. Now is NOT the time to start talking about a new approach. We had those discussions a long time ago.”
That frustration is valid.
The negative energy is probably wrecking your meetings and slowing down your project.
What you CAN do to reduce frustration in your meetings
If that scenario is uncomfortably familiar to you and you want to reduce frustration for your team during the meetings you lead, do this.
Pick one project you’re working on and consider how the work you need to do fits in the 3 stages.
Then use the Working Genius model to keep your meetings and your teams focused on doing the type of work needed during each stage of the project.
Your meetings will be more productive and effective.
And, your people will be far less frustrated.
More Resources to Help You Build Your Career and Your Business
The Working Genius website is a great place to start to learn more (click here). It’s packed with helpful information and resources.
If you’d like an overview from Patrick Lencioni (you may recognize him as the author of the best selling book, The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team), this episode of the Coaching for Leaders podcast is outstanding.
🔷 How to Help Team Members Find the Right Work, with Patrick Lencioni (click here)
And, speaking of podcasts, The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni is all about applying the Working Genius productivity tool in real life.
This episode will explain more about the 3 phases of work (click here or on the image to listen).
And Now a Word from Our Sponsors
This week’s issue of M4 is sponsored by, well… Me!
I’m a huge fan of the Working Genius model and use it as a productivity tool in my own career almost every day.
Why am I so committed to the Working Genius model?
Because it’s designed to help people experience Joy, Energy, and Fulfillment in their lives by doing the type of work they’ve been designed to do.
If that sounds like something you want for you and your teams, contact me (click here) and let’s have a conversation.
I’m a Working Genius Certified Facilitator and would love to talk about how you can apply the model to help you and your people find more engagement and success in their work.
We can design an affordable coaching or consulting package to help you and your teams get more done in less time and enjoy work more than ever.
Let’s talk about the next step that’s best for you!
That’s All for this Issue
While most meetings are causing stress and angst for the people who attend, you can reduce frustration in YOUR meetings and help your teams stay focused and productive.
When you know and apply the 3 stages of work based on the Working Genius model, the people on your projects will be more enthused about what they’re doing.
Your meetings will reduce frustration and increase engagement for everyone involved.
Give it a try and let me know if it works as well for you as it does for me!
Let’s lead with kindness and confidence!
Greg
Here are 3 ways I can help you when you’re ready:
- Get more free resources you can use today (Click here to Start)
- Improve on your own with digital courses (Click here to Improve)
- Accelerate your progress with coaching (Click here to Accelerate)
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