Permission to say or ask anything is priceless, writes Paul Axtell. Giving permission and creating safety are two key areas that can increase freedom, candor and quality of conversation in your meetings. People don’t just want to belong, they want to contribute.
Source: Harvard Business Review, April 11, 2019. Link.
The quest for better meetings ultimately lies in leading with mutual respectful, inclusivity, and establishing a space that is safe enough for people to speak their minds.”
Also see: Fostering psychological safety with your team, Harvard Business Review, February 15, 2023. Link. Psychological safety is a shared belief that it’s OK to take risks, express ideas and concerns, speak up with questions, and admit mistakes . . . all without fear of negative consequences.
Also see: Why your meetings stink . . . and what to do about it, Harvard Business Review, January-February 2019. Link. This article helps managers learn to diagnose their meeting problems, better prepare for and facilitate the gatherings they lead, and seek feedback to further hone their skills.