10.5.3 Communication skill for effective meetings
Meetings hold the potential for dysfunctional conflict and can be a waste of time if they are not well-prepared and members are not open and clear in their communication. Borowick (1996, p.379) lists ten skills to enhance synergy in a meeting:
- Understand the purpose of the meeting.
- Listen carefully.
- Be considerate.
- Do not interrupt.
- Be supportive.
- Do not attack others.
- Improve others' ideas.
- Do not become defensive.
- Encourage others.
- Do not dominate.
In addition, the chairperson and members of the meeting should speak clearly and confidently, be aware of their non-verbal communication (for example, eye contact, kinesics and proxemics. See the section on seating arrangements on pages 343-346 of the textbook) and ensure that they maintain their focus on the purpose of the meeting rather than digressing into irrelevant topics. Electronic meetings raise some different challenges, as discussed in your text on page 345.
Activity 10e
- Have you ever attended a meeting? If so, was it effective? Why or why not? (If you have not attended a meeting talk to a friend or family member who has and ask them what was effective or ineffective about the meeting.)
- Read through Reading 10.3. As you read, reflect on seating arrangements that are used at your workplace. Will you be making any changes?
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