By J. Mason
Online Career Tips Editor
Running a meeting is no easy task. Whether you are building an educational series for management, holding a brainstorming session, or you run a continual “meeting of the minds” every week, the process can still be off-putting when the attendees are not mentally accounted for.
When you have a meeting “guest” that remains quiet the entire meeting what do you do? Instead going of going for the instinctual, “hey, what’s on your mind?” approach, view their actions first. As others talk in the meeting are they paying attention, or taking notes? Do they look interested, or are their eyes glazing over? Find a way to engage them without direct contact. Play to their strengths. If you know they love the tech side of things, ask the room about an option in that area. It sometimes takes a bit of coaxing for people to come out of their shell. You can start the conversation and incorporate something they may have done recently that illustrates your points. Ask them to elaborate on the work they did, and any lessons learned from it.
It isn’t always negative when someone elects to hold onto their thoughts. The question you should ask yourself is are you missing out? Were they invited by you, or suggested by a colleague? Everyone that attends a meeting should add value to the event, or at least come to a group consensus. Maybe they work better solo. After the meeting engage with them for a couple minutes outside of the meeting room. The informality of walking down the hallway feels like a chat, instead of a recorded event. If you gleam some bits of wisdom from the chat follow-up with them through email and open the door of communication. Let them know what you would like from them, and if your ideas for work could be mutually beneficial.
Just because someone is silent in a meeting it doesn’t mean they have nothing to contribute. Meet them in a place that is comfortable for them. Try getting their feedback before the next meeting if they’re unable to attend, that way they can add their own purpose and give you a broader perspective.
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