Three-Step Communication Process to Increase Meeting Productivity When There’s an Elephant in the Room
No matter how well you’ve planned a meeting, if there’s a proverbial elephant in the room, meeting productivity suffers if you don’t take time to acknowledge competing concerns.
Acknowledge any competing concerns that may exist before starting a meeting. Do this by using the following three-step process:
- Acknowledge the Elephant
- Provide a Path
- Regroup and Execute
For example, if your company was just acquired by another and everyone is worried about job security, you could say:
Step 1: Acknowledge the Elephant
“I realize that [topic of meeting] isn’t at the forefront of our minds today with the recent acquisition. Just like you, I’m worried about what this will mean for my job and all of our futures.”
Step 2: Provide a Path
“Nonetheless, we have a job to do now, and this issue needs our attention. For now, let’s focus on [topic of meeting] and we’ll designate another time to talk about acquisition concerns.”
(If you need to do this immediately because of a sensitive issue occupying minds and energy, get the time penned in right then and there.)
Step 3: Regroup and Execute
“Now that we have a time and space to talk about the acquisition, let’s get back to the task at hand, [topic of meeting], and have a productive meeting.”
(Then, continue on with the meeting agenda that you diligently set and distributed prior to the meeting.)
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Audio. Is. Everything. Make sure to invest in a good one. This one blows my mind again and again. I reported from the center of Times Square, New York City and you could hear every word I said clearly with this mic. Worth every penny.
Lighting.
After audio, lighting is essential. I love this kit. It’s a little bulky, but if I can make it work in my 95 square foot space, you can likely make it work anywhere for you!
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Other Backdrop.
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| Lavalier (Clip-On) Mic Options | ||||
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| HANDHELD Mic Options | ||||
| IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD high-definition handheld microphone for iPhone, iPad and Mac (black) For interviewing others on a livestream. I love this mic. The sound quality is great, even in very windy and noisy environments. I’ve used it at concerts, on top of tall buildings, and at parties and the audio comes through very clear (about $85). | IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD 2 high-definition handheld digital microphone for iPhone, iPad, Mac and PC This is the newer version of the first mic. If I were in need of an upgrade, I’d get this. Honestly, though, the first version works well. I have the original version, but this one is a little easier to find for Prime members. But it’s about $25-30 more than the one I have (about $115). | IK Multimedia iRig Mic handeld condenser mic for smartphones and tablets Here’s another option, non iPhone specific version. I don’t think the quality is AS good, but it’s a little cheaper (around $60), and definitely better than no mic! This works on the headphone jack, so if you have a newer iPhone make sure to have your adapter handy. Can also use on computer. |
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KobraTech Mini Cell Phone Tripod – TriFlex Mini – Flexible iPhone Tripod for Any Smartphone
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And, of course, be sure to grab a copy of my book! Dynamic Communication: 27 Strategies to Grow, Lead, & Manage Your Business (from Entrepreneur Press). You can get more strategies for using video to GROW your business in chapters 6, 7, 8, & 9!
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