Practical Approaches For a Better Clear the Air Meeting
What is a Clear the Air Meeting?
Rather than letting conflict simmer beneath the surface, these are meetings where people can ditch the diaper genie and have candid conversations about what’s on their hearts and minds.
Each participant speaks candidly about what’s on their hearts and minds. The others in the meeting listen respectfully and check for understanding to ensure they understand one another’s point of view. And then the team works together to find tangible actions they can put in place to make working together easier and more productive.
This special, Asking For a Friend From the Road, was filmed at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens featuring the wonderful trolls of Danish artist Thomas Dambo.
Here are a few of my thoughts about holding an effective clear-the-air meeting.
click on image to download the setting clear expectations matrix
1. Give people a chance to prepare. Discuss intentions and outcomes
2. Use the expectations matrix (1:56). Have each person fill this out in advance (what is it that they’re expecting and receiving etc.) See also: How to Reset Performance Expectations for Better Results
3. As you facilitate the meeting, start by establishing norms and then have each person share their intentions, expectations, and point of view
4. Board the themes
5. Discuss tangible actions
6. Schedule the finish (when you will revisit the conversation again).
More of Surfacing (and Addressing) Hidden Conflict
Note, if you’re looking to facilitate (or host), an air-clearing meeting, you might also enjoy this recent Asking for a Friend from the Road about surfacing (and addressing) conflict that may not be visible.
Team Conflict: How to Surface and Discuss Simmering Issues (Video)
Your turn: What would you add? What are your best practices for a clear-the-air meeting?
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