Last month I was hired to work with “Sean.” Sean has a medical degree and a law degree and everyone in his organization agrees that he is brilliant. Yet, he is what I call a “meeting stalker.” Sean attends many meetings in his organization, and even though he holds a very important position in the organization, he rarely contributes during these meetings.

Sean’s manager noted that Sean doesn’t direct meetings toward the most beneficial outcome for the organization. Instead, he often sits through meetings in silence. After I met with Sean, he agreed to improve his contributions in meetings by:

• Identifying his specific role at each meeting before attending.

• Determining the best outcome for the organization and analyzing how he could ensure that result at each meeting.

• Preparing in advance, for only a few minutes, so he could be sure to make a positive contribution.

• Speaking when he felt his expertise would be helpful instead of holding back.

Within only a few weeks, Sean’s changed behavior is improving overall meeting culture and resulting in better outcomes for the organization. Do you have meeting stalkers in your workplace? What can you do to help them contribute more during the meetings? If I can assist you, please contact me!