Use this Simple Method to Keep Your Meetings on Track

Meetings are an integral part of the corporate world. We meticulously prepare for them, ensuring we set structured agendas, invite the right stakeholders, and provide clear objectives. However, as many of us have experienced, unexpected conversational turns can derail even the best-laid plans.?

That said, these deviations are often rooted in valid thoughts and insights. Rather than steering them away, what if we could embrace them with a method that brings the focus back to the topic, uncovers new information, and promotes psychological safety? Enter the?Curiosity Method.

Understanding The Curiosity Method

The Curiosity Method is a straightforward, four-step process designed to foster understanding and respect during meetings, even when discussions seem to veer off course. I purposefully use the term "seem to" because, as meeting leaders, we should not suppose to know what people are saying, but be curious and seek to understand. Many older meeting management textbooks will suggest using words like "jellyfish" or "parking lot" to tell people they are off-topic and regain focus. This tactic, however, can harm psychological safety as the speaker might be trying to articulate a genuine concern or thought and is now forced to defend it.

Here's how you use the Curiosity Method?

1. Acknowledge the Detour: Whenever a participant introduces a seemingly unrelated point, instead of dismissing it, openly acknowledge the point. Recognise its potential value.
2. Pose a Curious Question: Use curiosity as a tool. Ask the participant a question like, "I'm intrigued by what you're saying, but I don't quite understand how it relates to our current topic or the overarching goal of this meeting. Can you help me with the connection?" This shows vulnerability because you say that you are having an issue. It also lets the speaker know that the listeners are not making the connection they might have thought was evident. Having this feedback will encourage the speaker to clarify.
3. Allow the Person to Respond: This might sound like a given, but it's crucial. After asking a question, provide them with the space to articulate their viewpoint. Their clarification might either bring the conversation back on track or introduce new perspectives that can be valuable to the entire group. Conversely, if the participant realises that their point is indeed a tangent, they can self-correct and ask for it to be addressed later in the meeting or in a future meeting.
4. Reflect and Realign: After understanding the new viewpoint, realigning the conversation is essential. If the topic goes longer than expected, you may need to shorten the time allotted to other points or push some to a different meeting. If the information revealed is entirely new and the first time others are hearing about it, consider tabling that agenda item for a future meeting and asking the participant to support you and others with preparation by providing more information after the current meeting and before the next.

Why Adopt the Curiosity Method?

• Adds Focus to Meetings: Encouraging participants to align their contributions with the agenda ensures discussions stay relevant and productive.
• Reveals Hidden Information: By actively engaging with every viewpoint, you increase the likelihood of unearthing insights that might have remained buried.
• Fosters Psychological Safety: Every participant feels their contributions are valued, promoting a psychologically safe environment conducive to open dialogue.

Incorporating the Curiosity Method into our meetings is more than just a tactic to ensure productivity; it's a mindset shift. Embracing curiosity transforms meetings into collaborative and enriching experiences where every participant feels heard, respected, and valued.

I invite you to try out the Curiosity Method in your meetings. Once you've experienced its transformative power, I'd love to hear about the changes you've noticed. Let's make every meeting a space of growth, understanding, and collaboration!

Become a Certified Meeting Leader

Do you want to hone your meeting leadership skills further? Take SHERPANY's Meeting Leader Certification by clicking the link. In a structured and guided manner, you'll learn the ins and outs of designing meetings with intent, leading them to success and harnessing the potential of the people in the room.