Connecting to Admired Leadership

The Power of Scheduling Conversations Instead of Meetings

Episode Summary

A conversation with Ben Stringfellow, Executive Coach and Partner at CRA | Admired Leadership, exploring the critical difference between meetings and conversations, and how leaders can effectively use both to drive better outcomes.

Episode Notes

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Key Highlights

• Meetings 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 contexts
• Characteristics 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 connections
• Implementation 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 meetings
• Managing 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 perspectives

Notable 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 Speaker

Ben 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.