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Is there a time to invite non-directs? I was specifically thinking about the section of the meeting where people are reporting on their resource requirements that are impeding progress in a project. If the resource is someone from outside your group, do you invite them to help them realize what they are holding up?

*RNTT

digin's picture

While I think there could be a case for inviting a non-direct to a staff meeting, I wouldn't do it to show them how they are holding up a process.
My reasons are as follows:

(1) You undermine their manager - he or she may have good reason to have their direct not commit their time to your team's needs (other priorities, orders from their superiors, etc) and you need to go to the source on this.

(2) It most likely will create an inefficient meeting. Since there is a section where someone comes in and leaves, you are creating a needless opportunity for your directs to become unfocused by the distraction, especially if they have to wait on the person.

(3) If the non-direct is hostile in any way, or gives excuses at the meeting when confronted, you are going to have to deal with it in front of your team, and out of sight of their manager, which is likely to be a no-win for you.

What I suggest is the follows: book a half hour after each staff meeting in you and your directs calendar as "follow-up time". In your staff meeting, record all instances of who is holding up any of your directs. After the meeting, suggest that your direct during the follow-up time call the offending person and let them know what is holding them up, and get their response and commitment to a date things will be delivered / resolved. At the end of the half an hour, each direct should chat to you how their follow-ups went (or shoot a brief email). If you are not happy with any of the follow-up responses, you can escalate any follow-ups as needed with the non-directs yourself or their managers as appropriate.

Mark's picture
Admin Role Badge

I wouldn't invite someone just to have them see (and others to see them) that they are messing up.

Mark

US41's picture

A public shaming is not effective feedback.

jhack's picture

and, for the attendees not directly involved in the public shaming, it's very uncomfortable and demoralizing. (Voice of experience...)