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It's no secret that the best work is done when everyone in the group 'shows up.' By 'showing up' I don't mean just physically but mentally, emotionally and spiritually as well. It's bringing all parts of ourselves to the meeting and it's called being fully present. When fully present we tap into an enormous potential for problem solving, creativity and success. In a collaborative effort, solutions are uncovered, new ideas unfold and energy is released that engages and inspires people.
Want to learn a new way to help your team to be fully present?
Next meeting try this.
First explain that there are 4 ways to show up for a meeting and 4 results from 'showing up' in each way. Let me say right off that there are times when all of us will find ourselves in one of the roles below.that's just life. Instead, what I am focused on with this exercise is the desire to have full engagement of team members when there is work to be done. Start with this exercise to help individuals take responsibility and make a conscious choice for the way they decide to participate in your next meeting.
1. You can show up as a Prisoner.
Engage your group with these questions. What do you think it feels like if you're a prisoner? How do people with this mindset behave? How do they participate in the meeting? And most importantly, if you attend a meeting as a prisoner, what do you leave the meeting with?
When you have attended a meeting as a prisoner, you will leave with a sense of being right. 'Yes, it was boring. Yes, once again there was no order or agenda.' A person that has felt like a prisoner at a meeting has not only wasted their time but the time of the other team members. Instead of sharing their knowledge, instincts and ideas they leave knowing that they were right.
2. You can show up as an Observer.
An observer is a watcher. These individuals sit back, tend to be quiet and play it safe. They are physically there but don't really offer much unless put on the spot. They may find themselves day dreaming or counting the minutes. Overall they usually don't add much energy to the group dynamics and if they are not negative, don't take away too much either.
What do they leave the meeting with? An opinion. While sitting there they have been paying attention and thinking what they think about what the others have offered. They may leave, in their mind, safe....but these individuals have also lost an opportunity to contribute and engage in the group.
3. You can show up as a Full Participant.
This individual is present, they are there, mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. They are paying attention to what is going on in the room and are ready to speak up and offer thoughts and opinions. They are interested in what others are saying and ask questions and problems solve with the intent of moving the team forward.
They tend to be sitting up, alert and responsive to what is going on in the room and engage.They leave the meeting with a sense of what is possible.
4. You can show up as an Owner.
This is being committed to the success of the meeting. It's 'owning' the outcome, even if you're not leading the meeting or playing a primary role. And it's a willingness to use all that is available to you for the success of the outcomes declared. This often requires skillfulness in deep listening, conflict resolution and diversity.
What happens when you show up in this manner? First it's very empowering for the individual and for the team. Most people can feel when this type of energy is present and find it energizing and inspiring.
When you show up as an Owner you leave the meeting with conviction and resolve. You are standing for the outcomes declared and will do what is necessary to make it happen.
I find, when I begin to talk about how people are going to show up in the room, arms unfold, people sit up straighter and everyone is more alert. Using this exercise helps to remind everyone how important their presence is to the success of whatever is being addressed. Try it and see what happens!
At The Way of Discovery, we believe that trust and trustworthiness is at the core of success for individuals and teams. We also know that this has to be translated into action and results. The Way of Discovery bridges these two very important concepts of trust and achievement. We offer simple, practical method for developing trust and achieving results for individuals, teams and organizations.
Are you struggling to keep the people within your team fully engaged? How are the levels of trust and trustworthiness within your organization?
Call now (602-870-0060) for a free consultation. Build advantage around the 'greatest competitive edge' in business today....your people!
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