Asking the right questions is the key to success in any meeting. But what is the question that can make a difference in your next meeting? "What's working well?" is a question that can help you gain insights, build relationships, and foster a positive culture.
In many meetings, the focus is often on what's not working, what needs to be improved, and what problems need to be solved. While these are important issues, they can create a hostile and demotivating atmosphere. By asking, "What's working well?" you can shift the focus to the positive aspects of the situation and create a more constructive and productive discussion.
Here are some reasons why you should ask this question at your next meeting:
Gain insights: When you ask, "What's working well?" you invite people to share their successes, achievements, and best practices. This can help you identify what's working and why and learn from the experiences of others. For example, if you're discussing a project, team members can share what has been successful and strategies they have used to overcome challenges.
Build relationships: Asking "What's working well?" can also help build relationships among team members. You can create a positive and supportive culture by acknowledging and celebrating each other's successes. This can improve collaboration, communication, and trust among team members, leading to better outcomes in the long run.
Foster a positive culture: A positive culture is essential for the success of any team or organization. By focusing on what's working well, you can create a culture of positivity, optimism, and growth. This can inspire people to think creatively, take risks, and innovate. It can also help boost morale, motivation, and engagement, leading to better performance and results.
Here are some tips on how to ask "What's working well?" effectively:
Be specific: Instead of asking a general question, be clear about the topic you want to discuss. For example, if you're talking about a project, ask, "What's working well in our project so far?" This will help people focus on the relevant aspects of the discussion and provide more meaningful insights.
Encourage participation: Make sure everyone has a chance to share their thoughts and experiences. Encourage quieter team members to speak up and ask follow-up questions to help clarify and expand on their ideas.
Acknowledge and celebrate success: When someone shares a success or achievement, acknowledge and celebrate it. This can help create a positive and supportive culture and encourage others to share their accomplishments.
Use the insights: After you've gathered insights from the discussion, use them to inform your next steps. For example, if you've identified a successful strategy, consider how you can apply it to other areas of your work or build on it to achieve even better results.
In conclusion, asking, "What's working well?" can be a powerful question in your next meeting. It can help you gain insights, build relationships, and foster a positive culture. By focusing on the positive aspects of the situation, you can create a constructive and productive discussion that leads to better outcomes in the long run. So, don't hesitate to ask this question at your next meeting and see the difference it can make.