Try this for better internal meetings

Are your internal meetings leaving everyone frustrated? Do you get into polite (or perhaps not-so-polite) battles of entrenched positions instead of collaborating to find solutions?

I've both seen and lived this in countless organisations: Steeling yourself before a team meeting because you 'know' there's going to be differences of opinion. The urge to defend-and-question what someone else comes up with. The escalation as the originator of each idea finds fault with the other and no good solution is in sight.

Sometimes the 'battle' is subtle and very polite, but it is there nonetheless. I've certainly done my fair share of questioning and getting into defensive mode. Have you?

Here's the thing: If you're all in the same organisation, you're ideally striving towards the same goal. If you start by establishing what you've got in common, the solution you come up with will be that much stronger. You can also reduce frustration and stress.

It starts with moving away from reactive 'yes, but' interactions, towards curious openness. Set the foundation: What do you all agree on? Then, focus on what's good about what others suggest. Once you've identified and verbalised that, you can build on it with your own additions and suggestions. They’re more likely to be heard if you’ve first listened.

Catch sight of the common foundation that's likely far greater than the differences you've been highlighting so far. After all, you're on the same team.

How do you want to be at your next meeting?