SEED TIP OF THE MONTH | MARCH
What Is Going On Here and How Can We Work With It?
By Melinda Lackey
Successful meetings aren’t all business, focused on content. Nor are they all pleasure, focused on relationships. The most productive (and enjoyable) meetings combine both: focus on what we are doing, as well as how we are being.
In terms of “doing” we want to set goals and meet them. There is a drive to reach the finish line fast, and get certain things done.
In terms of “being,” we want to be fully human, and really tune into each other, to connect at a deep level, and see what we can learn together.
Here’s the thing to keep in mind (whenever human interaction is involved):
The quality of our being shapes the quality of our doing.
As facilitators we can find all kinds of opportunities to model being fully present and fully human. It is essential that we carry this intention. We want to practice and keep ourselves fit, like athletes, to “be” awake and fully alive in the moment. The better our fitness for being, the more we are able to observe what is present and recognize options for responding in ways that serve the meeting agenda and the participants. It is up to us to set a tone that encourages others to show up fully, too.
Last month, our partners at TakeTwo invited SEED to join them in offering a webinar on “meetings” for the Foundation Center.
To view the webinar, please fill out the form below:
Focused on being: McMath collapsed meters before the finish line; Vogel let her finish first.
Request a Demo
Let us know your questions, suggestions and concerns by filling out the contact form below.
This 60-minute webinar explores different types of meetings and four energies that are typcially present: mover, opposer, supporter and observer. An exercise is offered so you can practice with your team.
Try it! It is fun to practice in teams of four.
We promise that with increasing awareness of how these energies operate in group dynamics, everyone can raise their game and function at much higher levels to achieve good things faster.
