Review the case \" The Quiet Meeting \". In a 2-3 page paper, discuss the follow

Question

Review the case "The Quiet Meeting". In a 2-3 page paper, discuss the following questions:

The Quiet Meeting

Debbie Ronson, sales supervisor, was just opening a meeting she had called for members of her department. Debbie did most of the talking for the first five minutes, recounting her group’s performance over the past week. Then she asked, “Are there any questions?” No one responded. Debbie then changed subjects. “As you know, in two weeks we’ll be going to a new format for scheduling our calls. This was outlined in the memo from the vice president, copies of which I sent to each of you. This is going to alter your calling schedules and signif- icantly change the way we’ve been doing things. I have some ideas on how we can best work into this new system. But before getting into that, I’d like to see if anyone here has any ideas ... [pause]. Anyone care to contribute anything?” No one in the group responded. Debbie continued, “Well, here’s what I think we should do. ...” She then spent eight minutes outlining her plan. After the meeting was over, Debbie discussed it with one of her fellow supervisors. “I don’t know what it is,” she said, “but I can never get my people to say much at meetings. I try to give them a chance, but I always end up doing most of the talking. It seems they’re either shy or disinterested, but I really don’t know if that’s the reason or not. I just wish they’d contribute their ideas.”

1. What reasons might there be for the lack of participation in Debbie's meeting?

2. What actions could Debbie take to run a more effective meeting?

3. Consider you are a facilitation consultant. After reviewing process consultation and other models of consultation, what advice would you offer to Debbie to help encourage participation in future meetings?

Explanation / Answer

a). Lack of interest in Debbie talk

b). Well this meeting bring change their working schedule so there might be possibility that team members are not happy with this change.

c). they might be shy in asking question

d). the biggest possibility is that they might have not clearly understand the schedule change. So they have no idea what to ask

2. Ways to improve participation:-

a). At the beginning of the meeting, let people know you want their input and will be calling on individuals in an effort to be sure no views are left unexpressed.

b). Make sure that every one has clear understanding of the reason of the meeting and all the circulars must be provided to each of them to make it understand thoroughly before entering the meeting room.

c). Keep it short meeting.

d). By asking questions, you direct their attention to a specific idea and focus their thinking. This tactic can reduce the pressure for them to speak.

e). When people contribute ideas, use them. Reward them for speaking up and they’ll be likely to say more.

f). And the most important which I usually apply in my meetings by asking someone to tell others what we have discussed in the meeting. This will help in knowing whether the people are mentally present there in the meeting or not.

3. I would like to advice her

a). Before moving between topics, think about who else might have something to contribute to the conversation and call on them.

b). Ask for the alternate idea.

c). Make meeting more lively and interactive.

d). To make use of visuals to make it more interesting.

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