Great staff meetings require these 7 rules

Charles Stone Sept. 29, 2019

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Leaders can’t lead without meeting with others. Sometimes meetings go well. Sometimes they don’t. Often team dynamics derail productive meetings simply because someone misspoke or misheard. 

As I began to realize this, several years ago, I asked a psychologist to help me create some rules for talking in our staff meetings. I call them conversational ethics. Here are the 7 rules.

1. Listen: Let others say their piece; as Covey said, “Seek to understand before being understood.”

2. Suspend judgment: Don’t make assumptions about what others say.

3. Share in the thought pool: Everybody gives input; participate truthfully (how you really feel).

4. Stay detached from your ideas: Don’t take things personally; use “I” messages; own your personal view.

5. Let others be inarticulate: Help others articulate what they are trying to say by engaging.

6. Privacy: If personal issues with you and another person potentially could affect a discussion and/or a decision, first deal with it 1-on-1 in private with the individual.

7. Accountability: Everybody helps hold each other accountable to this set of ethics.

Photo source: istock 

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Charles Stone coaches and equips pastors and teams to effectively navigate the unique challenges ministry brings. By blending biblical principles with cutting-edge brain-based practices he helps them enhance their leadership abilities, elevate their preaching/ teaching skills, and prioritize self-care. A pastor for over 42 years, he has served as a lead pastor, associate pastor, and church planter. He published seven books, and over 300 of his articles have appeared on various Christian leadership websites. He holds four earned academic degrees, including a D.Min. and a Ph.D. Learn More »

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