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A Tale of Two Meetings

The first meeting was a 62 mile drive from work. I rearranged my schedule to be there on time, leaving a cushion of minutes in case I hit heavy traffic. I wasn't familiar with the meeting location and had never met the other individual before. I arrived and waited just a short time for the meeting to begin. I spent some time in an empty conference room prior to the official start. That's always nerve wracking, sitting alone in a new place and anticipating the appointment. Soon enough, introductions were made, questions asked, and 18 minutes later, the meeting adjourned.

18 minutes.

I thought about that on the car ride home. I had now hit the traffic jam I had anticipated on the way down. What about this conversation only had it last that long? I could tell, in the meeting, I wasn't making a connection no matter how hard I tried. It felt flat on my part and maybe even hers as well. I wondered what she was thinking as I was driving away. Perhaps, relieved THAT meeting was over? That was my assumption, true or false as it might be.

The following day, I had another meeting. It wasn't a face to face meeting but instead a Google Hang Out. This was another nerve inducing meeting for me  as it connected to something I was trying to pursue personally. My colleague and I logged into the chromebook and waited for the meeting to begin. There was some apprehension as we were officially meeting the person on the other end of the screen for the first time.

I didn't even count how long this meeting went. There was no need to. The person on the other end of this conversation brought so much passion and enthusiasm to the meeting, you couldn't help but jump on! He asked questions, supported responses and shared so much of his own story.  When that meeting ended, I felt inspired..inspired to begin a huge project.

I've been thinking about both meetings for days and think they both serve as solid reminders for how we, as leaders, want others to feel after they've interacted with us.  Enthusiasm over trepidation, hope over doubt, welcomed over disregarded.

Maybe it's about remembering the person across the table or screen always has something to contribute and not taking each other for granted.




Granted, Josh Groban

Comments

  1. This also reminds me of how important it is to be meeting and greeting a guest warmly to our office. You never get a second chance to make a good "first impression".

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  2. Such a difference in the two meetings! I think, or at least I hope we all want to provide the experience of the second meeting. I have had similar experiences, and after wondered what could have gone differently. I'm currently pursuing my Masters with a focus on teacher leadership. Do you have any tips or advice about what you think contributes to a connection (or meeting) falling flat or one that inspires?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think we have to build in time for people to share ideas and stories. This wasn't an interview but felt like it. We don't want people to feel like they are items on our to do list.

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