Weekly Tip: Getting More Out of Every Interaction

Some classic communication tools are worth highlighting because they produce so much value. One of my favorites is so simple that you can use it in every meeting, extended conversation and phone call. It is a simple question:

“What would you like to get out of this meeting?”

Stephen Covey refers to it as the 2^nd of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Starting with the End in Mind.

You may be thinking that this is obvious. I agree. Yet, I join so many group calls, meetings and conversations where what we are trying to accomplish is unclear. Sure, what we are talking about may be very clear. The topic is apparent in the dialogue. However, what we are trying to ACCOMPLISH is not.

Try this simple question at the beginning of every discussion for just one week and see what it does for productivity, clarity and efficiency.