What day is it? What day is it? Oops, it’s the senior leadership team meeting day and you’re not prepared! Don’t let this happen to you. First of all, congratulations on actually having a senior leadership team meeting. While it may seem quite ordinary, it is not always the practice for small to medium size businesses. This meeting is not intended to just kill an hour on a weekly basis. This is where the senior leaders gather to work on the business, to work on the issues that’ll help propel the business forward.
Working on the business is a method for addressing the critical issues that help maintain a positive trajectory for the business. In order to do so, most firms adhere to some basic “let’s have a productive meeting“ rules. Great meetings begin with a solid agenda, and end with a distribution of the action items and tasks that have been assigned during the meeting. There’s a natural cadence to a good meeting. And then there’s a focus on the three D’s — discussion, debate and decisions.
This is not a gathering where people sit on their hands. The intent is to tackle the tough issues of the day that will lead to achieving the goals and objectives set forth for the company. Silence equals acceptance, and too much silence might find you on the outside, looking in. This is the time were open discussion takes place and debates are encouraged. It is also a place where once decisions are made, everyone is aligned and the next steps are clearly mapped out.
There are companies that have taken this to the next level. Some have incorporated the structure found within the Entrepreneurial Operating System, or EOS. This was described in the book “Traction,” written by Gino Wickman. Another model is featured in the book “Scaling Up, Mastering the Rockefeller Habits 2.0,” written by Verne Harnish. Both models are very strong. And while they are not industry specific, they can introduce additional structure and direction for your team.
If you are just starting out with this, ask for feedback from your internal team or members of your peer group or advisory team. It’s not easy being at the top, so you tap into all the resources you can to help make you the leader that your company deserves.
Make the most out of your leadership team meetings. Keep everyone engaged and focused on the right things. Minimize “getting into the weeds” discussions, and stay focused on tackling the issues that will best move the needle for your business. Good luck with this and remember, doing nothing is not an option!
Mike Philie can help validate what’s working and what may need to change in your business. Changing the trajectory of a business is difficult to do while simultaneously operating the core competencies. Mike provides strategy and insight to owners and CEOs in the Graphic Communications Industry by providing direct and realistic assessments, not being afraid to voice the unpopular opinion and helping leaders navigate change through a common sense and practical approach. Learn more at www.philiegroup.com, LinkedIn or email at mphilie@s756788055.onlinehome.us.
Originally published in Printing Impressions.
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