by Luke Bawden

Created on: May 11, 2011

Making the most of business meetings improves future endeavours and cultivates understanding. Many factors play their part but the key that unlocks the doors of opportunity is listening. Positive change and improvement require a sound knowledge of circumstance coupled with an unbiased appreciation of the factors in play.

Being prepared is essential. So making sure you know the facts and how best to deliver them. Often time pressure adds a negative influence so allow plenty of time by getting pertinent information to people before hand. It can be very beneficial to have a brain storming session to add more depth and understanding.

Location is of huge importance and best results are achieved by making people comfortable. I have found it is way better to act honestly and with business integrity as a start point. It is often best for the deal maker to listen to what’s being said sum up the factors at play and then make know what needs to happen from an informed position.

One of the biggest human needs is to feel heard. If you’re having a job appraisal with one of your biggest assets (your work-force) understanding their aspirations, concerns and ideas is critical. Let them talk about how they rate your performance and take it onboard. Then make sure they fully understand the reasons behind your decisions.

Humor plays is a big part in putting people at ease also softening the gravity of the situation. Being relaxed and preparing well will make people better listeners. Ask for ideas and let people make suggestions. You don’t have to find the answers straight away so encourage people to do more work on the bits of the project if still in a grey area.

Meetings often break down if the conversation runs wild or certain people dominate it. So a good chairperson is sometimes necessary to keep the meeting on track. A minute taker needs to be an entrepreneurial person quick to spot ideas and possibilities for the business. These ideas can be earmarked for further investigation.

Meetings can vary so much in size, scope of business and desired outcome that it’s difficult to speak generally. One of the most important things is to fully understand the desired result. Being able to way up the pros and cons of the deal as you go along is a must. Don’t make on the spot decisions if the potential outcome isn’t crystal clear.

Negotiating honestly and listening intently will guarantee a sound springboard from which constant never-ending improvement becomes a beneficial reality.  

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