Four Rules of Engagement

There are four simple rules of engagement that will keep your meetings focused, improve productivity, and reduce the turf wars. You’ll fail fast and fall forward — and you’ll accelerate your results.

One: clarifying questions. Before you start offering solutions — which are merely opinions — make sure you understand the real cause of the problem. When in doubt, ask. And if you have no doubts, ask more.

Two: tangent alert. Anyone in the meeting can call it when someone dominates the discussion with too much detail or off-track commentary — and the person stops immediately or winds down quickly.

Three: time out. Call it when you need a short break, when you need to shield yourself from an onslaught, or when comments turn mean-spirited or repetitive. When it’s called, everyone stops and gets back on track.

Four: how could they be right? As others express their opinions, work hard to understand their position — and the possibility that they’re correct. They may even have a better idea than you. Don’t defend your position until you’ve sincerely considered theirs.