A comment: something I struggle with when using the POW method is the "What's in it for me" part. Quite often I feel there's nothing in it for a particular attendee - rather, there's something in it for everyone else because her contribution is needed to arrive at some specific outcome.
Is that an issue you've seen before? If so, how do you generally think about that?
Thanks for reading, João, and great question! I struggled with this exact thought myself, initially. But eventually, I realised there's almost always a benefit lurking. Take the example from the newsletter. The outcome is a decision and a list of amends, so nothing revolutionary. But by attending and contributing to the review, that person can be reassured that the team will take her feedback into account; hence the "feel confident." Even just stating "opportunity to share your expertise" can help an attendee understand the value you see in their participation.
Often, I find it helpful to work back from imagining the consequences of a person not attending: would they feel anxious, confused, perhaps? Why? And could it make their work more difficult in some way; if yes, how?
Failing that, you can always adapt the POW to: Purpose, Outcome, Why, and focus the latter on the rationale behind achieving the meeting's objectives. In my newsletter example with the grant proposal, perhaps they need to be more vigilant with the application process this time because the last one they submitted contained errors.
Really great, thanks Lauren
You're welcome Laura––thanks for reading!
Great first piece, thank you!
A comment: something I struggle with when using the POW method is the "What's in it for me" part. Quite often I feel there's nothing in it for a particular attendee - rather, there's something in it for everyone else because her contribution is needed to arrive at some specific outcome.
Is that an issue you've seen before? If so, how do you generally think about that?
Thanks for reading, João, and great question! I struggled with this exact thought myself, initially. But eventually, I realised there's almost always a benefit lurking. Take the example from the newsletter. The outcome is a decision and a list of amends, so nothing revolutionary. But by attending and contributing to the review, that person can be reassured that the team will take her feedback into account; hence the "feel confident." Even just stating "opportunity to share your expertise" can help an attendee understand the value you see in their participation.
Often, I find it helpful to work back from imagining the consequences of a person not attending: would they feel anxious, confused, perhaps? Why? And could it make their work more difficult in some way; if yes, how?
Failing that, you can always adapt the POW to: Purpose, Outcome, Why, and focus the latter on the rationale behind achieving the meeting's objectives. In my newsletter example with the grant proposal, perhaps they need to be more vigilant with the application process this time because the last one they submitted contained errors.
Hope this helps! Let me know how you get on :)
It does, thank you!