by Larry Dressler | Apr 10, 2025 | On My Mind
In a collection of Jewish teachings known as Midrash, the 4th century Rabbi Tanchuma is cited as saying: “When you expect gratitude, you are making your kindness a business transaction.” We all have a tendency to believe that each day we act with unconditional...
by Larry Dressler | Dec 12, 2024 | On My Mind
In Part 4 of this series we identified six archetypal problem behaviors – patterns of participation, often unconscious and habitual – that distract from the purpose of our meetings and undermine productive engagement. The following five strategies will aid you in...
by Larry Dressler | Nov 26, 2024 | On My Mind
People don’t hate meetings because they are inherently horrible. They hate meetings that are poorly led – especially when it comes to tolerating problematic behavior. I define “problem behavior” as a pattern of participation, often unconscious and habitual, that...
by Larry Dressler | Nov 13, 2024 | On My Mind
Pilots don’t just throttle a jet down the runway and into the air. First, they check out the plane, set the GPS, and confirm the basics with their co-pilot. Likewise, the most successful meetings involve a “pre-flight protocol”. But too often eager leaders simply...
by Larry Dressler | Dec 21, 2023 | On My Mind
How many times have you found yourself sitting in a meeting and silently asking: “What the hell am I doing here?” “Does ‘this’ actually justify being in a room together?” Maybe it’s a standing weekly meeting that no longer serves its original purpose. Or, a promised...
by Larry Dressler | Dec 8, 2023 | On My Mind
I’m not sure I need to convince you that there is an endemic dysfunction afflicting our workplaces – terrible meetings. Regardless of whether they are virtual or in-person, meetings can be really bad for a variety of reasons: Meetings aren’t taken seriously. People...