How team meetings are like family holiday dinners
Your loved ones (and merely tolerated ones) take on familiar roles as the family gathers at the table, but when your colleagues lapse into rigid roles, it’s time to set down the biscuits and talk turkey.
The holidays are a time for family. We have the eccentric uncle and maybe an unpredictable cousin, but they are family. We enjoy the day and take a deep breath knowing we see Uncle Buck just once a year.
If you have these same eccentric characters playing key roles on your team, it’s not easy—and it’s every day. Recognize individual habits that affect everyone. Your team is counting on you.
Do any of these roles sound familiar on your team?
Permanent host— Everyone just assumes this relative will host the holiday dinner every year. “What time is Tom having dinner?” before Tom has sent an invitation. At work, determine whether Tom is the default host because no one else steps up. He may want a break. Spread the responsibility around, or make sure Tom has adequate support. Let him know he is appreciated.
Become a Ragan Insider member to read this article and all other archived content.
Sign up today
Already a member? Log in here.
Learn more about Ragan Insider.
