Resource Center Broad range of articles and source material from Poynter faculty and others. Quote of the Day Notable words from quotable people. There are distinct stages individuals and groups go through as they learn. Meeting leaders need to manage those stages and draw out those personalities most effective in each stage. Reflecting, Connecting, Deciding, and Doing.
First people reflect on a problem or situation, coming up with several thoughts or options.
Then they make connections between the various bits and pieces of reflection. This leads to decisions and subsequent actions. But each stage requires different skills. Most everyone can play all four roles, but each of us has one area in which we excel. The success of a meeting depends on how well the leader understands the personalities and skills of the participants and puts those individual strengths to work at the appropriate time.