7 Words Concepts

The failure to define a problem correctly is the overwhelmingly most frequent reason for not finding a solution.

Consider this...

"When we love we see beyond out own immediate interests. We are prepared to give for the greater good."

7 Words Works!

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Individuals work either from a meeting or towards a meeting, so their terms of reference are unlikely to be crystal clear when meetings are foggy; therefore much of their individual effort is wasted too.
So let’s look at meetings in some depth from the 7 Words viewpoint. We can refer also, in passing, to non-business meetings because that’s the best way to put things into an overall perspective—and anyway in one sense all types of meeting are of concern to a good manager.

Perhaps it’s important to define what a meeting is, so let us begin with a broad stroke and include any immediate exchange between two or more people whether formal or informal, face to face or at a distance. Thus we include a quick word in passing and telephone calls but exclude written correspondence. A little later we will study the special case of formal “Meetings” —the bête noir of corporate culture!

We can apply 7 Words to types of meetings. It is very important to understand which type you want beforehand because each of the 7 Words has its own atmosphere and it is not at all straightforward to shift from one to another especially when you have to carry a group with you against the inertia of individual members who are tired, bored or contrary.

NO type meetings

Anything to do with boundaries, enforcement of authority, determination of identity, discovering truth and whether to say No. Examples might include military parades, armies face to face at the frontier, school assemblies, unpleasant dutiful family dinners at Christmas or Thanksgiving, and the aspect of AGM’s that is required by law and relates to the determination of exactly who has rights and duties. These No meetings are to do with statements of authority, making rules explicit, mutuality of respect, testing of power, revision of borders, and setting down markers to provide for peaceful co-existence.

 

HELLO type meetings

Such things as informal conversations, weekly information updates, routine sales calls, brainstorming, marketplaces, trade shows, conferences and classes—where there is an exchange of information, an openness of attitude and no pressure to fulfil a goal. These are mostly to do with reports and discussions, hand-outs, debates, lectures and presentations, measurements, assimilation and questions.

 

THANK YOU type meetings

These are meant to be enjoyed: social events, lunches, wine bar liaisons, tea-breaks, member-only groups, family outings, sport, occasions to dress up for, and of course the annual ‘Office Party’ where people are shown a little more appreciation and given the opportunity and even encouragement to do what usually they would not.

 

GOODBYE type meetings

These include things like: identifying problems, looking for options, reaching decisions, announcement, judgement and termination. We can think of these as the ‘nitty gritty’ ones and are often intense and confrontational, which can be good if contained properly; they often stand out as watersheds. Opposite points of view are populated and battles take place—imagine the police and the demonstrators meeting on the streets. There is great danger that the issues themselves are subordinated to the egos of the participants—who can behave like stags locking horns. Board meetings, management meetings, wars and legal questions either behind closed doors or in court are all examples.

 

PLEASE type meetings

These happen when we are trying to persuade others and win their cooperation. Examples include rallies, promotional gatherings, launches, sales visits where persuasion is paramount and worshipful congregation. We would look for agreements, deals, co-opting, sweeteners, partnership and healthy negotiations where each is mutually looking to please the other.

 

SORRY type meetings

Things like inspection, official enquiries, trials, corrective measures, penalties and reprimands come under this heading. Discipline is subject to scrutiny at meetings like Annual Staff Reviews, official Tax Interviews, Audit Examinations. These are not the most popular type!

 

YES type meetings

There are occasions when permission is required; application is made to a higher authority that allocates finance, building permissions or taxi licences for example. Often there are stages to go through: reasons given for refusal, discussions about overcoming objections, finding harmonious compromise, determination of any underlying, hidden issues, reapplication, costs and fees payable and generally proof of one’s deference to the authority. Also aspects of the AGM are Yes-like, particularly the voting power of the shareholders.

Types of Meetings / Aspects of Meetings

Marking boundaries

Exchange of information and attention

Engendering rapport

Taking decisions

Intending to persuade

Needing to account for behaviour

Getting the okay

7 Aspects of Meetings

Some specific guidelines for business meetings are included here, placed within the context of seven aspects. Whatever category a meeting falls into, in every case there are seven quite different things going on—and a truly aware manager will be able to address all of them. If any aspect is omitted there are negative implications. This is no small thing. Research into meetings has determined some quite alarming data (refer to www.effectivemeetings.com)

Professionals who, in meetings:

doze                             39%

daydream                      91%

do other work                73%

fail to attend in full         95%

If you have enjoyed this brief summary of 7 Words and would like to know more about how it can be applied in detail to improve relationships and other aspects of life in general...

..further information and suggestions are available in the form of free questionnaires, reports, eBooks and other study material...

and for even more detailed explanations and examples of 7 Words applications, try the workbook: 7 Words Principles and Practices.

• specific skills neccessary for communication
• meeting etiquette guidelines
• what is the financial cost/benefit of video conferencing
• collabrative problem solving
• meeting management and special event planner
• back to basics meeting guide