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Make Surprise Meetings Work

Starbucks. Conference Room C. My office. Chick-fil-A. These are some of the places we have meetings. But, by far, most meetings take place…in the doorways to our offices.

While we have plenty of scheduled meetings, we have far more impromptu ones. Most of them take place in the doorways to our offices, but they also happen in our hallways and parking lots. Sometimes, the things talked about in these meetings are more important and urgent than what is discussed in our scheduled meetings.

So how can you and I have successful impromptu meetings?

  • Welcome these “interruptions.” See these times as opportunities to build relationships, develop people, solve problems, or fulfill your mission.
  • Turn away from your computer or phone. Remove the distractions you can control. Not only does it help you pay attention, it honors the other person.
  • Fully engage in the conversation. Ask questions. Make sure you understand what is being said. Write down anything important.
  • Thank the person for coming by to talk to you. Create a culture where people know it is safe to come and talk to you when they need to.
  • It’s not always a good time to have an impromptu meeting. If it’s a bad time for you and someone wants to talk, just look at your watch and roll your eyes. Okay, don’t do that. If you’re in your office, simply close your door. If you’re walking through the hallways, ask the person if you can talk later.

Do you welcome impromptu meetings?