The Power of Scheduling Conversations Instead of Meetings

09/01/2025 28 min Episodio 5
The Power of Scheduling Conversations Instead of Meetings

Listen "The Power of Scheduling Conversations Instead of Meetings"

Episode Synopsis

Register to be part of future conversations in real time hereOr schedule a time to talk directly to our team hereKey HighlightsMeetings vs. Conversations: - Meetings are typically transactional, agenda-driven, and task-focused - Conversations are more exploratory, relationship-focused, and dynamic - Both serve different purposes and are valuable in different contextsCharacteristics of Effective Conversations: - Usually involve fewer people than meetings - More question-based than agenda-driven - Follow the energy of discussion rather than rigid structure - Focus on creating shared understanding - Often lead to unexpected insights and connectionsImplementation Strategies: - Assess existing organizational norms before making changes - Take incremental steps rather than dramatic shifts - Be explicit about expectations and intentions - Consider breaking larger groups into smaller conversation clusters - Use conversations as pre-work for larger meetingsManaging Conversation Dynamics: - Carefully select participants based on contribution potential - Stay open to valuable tangents while managing disruptions - Balance loud voices by amplifying quieter ones - Create space for multiple perspectivesNotable Quotes"Leadership is what you do - the actions, behaviors, habits, and routines that you bring into a space.""You can actually get as much if not more done through really good curated conversations than you can in meetings.""Don't ask yourself if you need a meeting or conversation accidentally or subconsciously - think deliberately and strategically about it."Featured SpeakerBen Stringfellow is an Admired Leadership Coach and Partner at CRA. His operational leadership experience with large organizations brings practical, action-oriented approach to leadership development.