It’s okay skip a meeting…but you are still responsible for supporting it
I find that, in general, people are not protective enough of their time—especially when it comes to meetings. I once had a client who spent over 20 hours a week in meetings—so much of his time that he felt he couldn’t pursue the work and life goals he had set for...
Ask Paul: Engagement
Ask Paul: My question is regarding meetings that are for a larger group of people (15-20) and how to maintain engagement. Do you suggest different strategies than when you are working with a smaller group of people? I plan to buy your book, so if there is a particular...
What mothers really want for Mother’s Day
When I was about 50 years old, I was listening to a radio program, and the person being interviewed said very clearly, “If you like yourself, you should call your mother and let her know that you like how you turned out. She did a good job of raising you.” So, I...
Ask Paul: Do we always need an agenda?
ASK PAUL: One of the consistent complaints in our organization is the lack of an agenda for our meetings. Seems to me like it depends on size of the group and what will be discussed. Would appreciate your thoughts. Thank you, Denise Hi Denise, during a recent training...
Ask Paul: Alignment
ASK PAUL: Hi, I love the six most common meeting processes that you outline in your book. Could you say some more about the process for gaining alignment? Our group often leaves a meeting and then later second-guesses the decision that was made. – Sasha, Rio de...
Conversations and Cooking: Both Benefit from a Recipe
Sometimes, when you’re cooking, you don’t need a recipe. It’s either a simple dish or you’ve made that particular recipe so many times that you can whip it up simply from memory or experience. Then there are other times when you’re working on a new or complex dish....
Q&A with Cal Newport
There is more pressure than ever for kids to do well in school – earn perfect grades, attend a top college and head into a lucrative career. It’s a lot for anyone to handle, let alone a child, and many experts are warning that this intense situation can backfire,...
Q&A with Cal Newport
Like most people, I’m constantly trying to free myself from distraction and find focus in this world that now constantly buzzes, flashes and rings. That’s why I was so excited to hear that Cal Newport – author of the bestselling So Good They Can’t Ignore You – had...
Listening to Samuel and Noah
In workshops for organizations, I conduct a listening exercise with participants that changes the rules of conversation for about an hour. During this time, the people listening are not allowed to interrupt, ask questions, or make any comments. They are allowed...
Ask Paul: Confidentiality
ASK PAUL: Hello, I just read your recent post on sharing information. I have two follow-up questions for you. Thanks for taking time to answer. Julie 1) What if there is something I do know but don’t want to share it with employees? 2) What if someone tells me...
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