After nearly a lifetime of attending meetings (and what feels like just as long in the virtual format!), I’ve come to identify some of the usuals who show up. How many do you recognize?
Strutters are quick to expound on their own past accomplishments in a semi-related issue; it doesn’t lead to progress, but at least everyone knows.
Techno-blanks can’t connect without help or multiple instructions, can’t see, can’t hear, can’t solve, can’t contribute; they may be apologetic, but we can’t tell.
Circlers can only lead group discussions back to the main starting point again and again, without allowing anything to actually be decided.
Sidetrackers love to chase down multiple tangents that lead away from the issue at hand to no practical progress; Circlers’ partners in time wasting.
Wallflowers are readily identified by no video, on mute. Noncontributory; there in spirit—maybe. If attending in person, aren’t really.
Busy-idlers are much too busy to actually be prepared to discuss or decide; they need more time and require others to waste theirs, and compel all to postpone action.
Verbal-fluffers feel the need to speak, but merely repeat, recap, revisit, re-phrase for long stretches at a time, and add nothing new—but with passion!
Yessers agree with anything and everything, but add no further insights or obligations; they’re kin to the Cheerers who encourage everyone else, but aren’t in the game themselves.
Contrarians’ ultimate fulfillment is to demonstrate their superiority in pointing out where all the problems are; they are much less concerned with actually accomplishing anything.
Distracteds steal away from the meeting to “multi-task,” and catch up on emails, phone calls, social media, or just about anything else rather than to bring full attention to the meeting purpose.
and the rarest breeds:
Connectors build relationships in and out of the meetings toward mutual objectives, enlisting energy, insights and synergy.
Stokers supply the steady fuel of assets and resources to be invested in progressive action; they are keen to empower and contribute to move ahead.
Propellers bring energy, ideas and forward momentum to solve problems, build collaborations and reach goals.
Who are the members you want on your team?