Blog Layout
Applying this rule can trim meeting times, create more innovative solutions
Jul 31, 2020
Longtime Simon & Schuster owner devised a brilliant strategy to help resolve difficulties
In an earlier blog, we talked about meetings and the importance of turning them into productive sessions—not just rambling exercises that go on and on. One helpful piece of wisdom comes from Leon Shimkin, a Simon & Schuster executive and owner during much of the 20th century.
Shimkin had realized his employees were asking management to solve various problems, coming to them too often. It was eating up considerable time, especially during staff meetings. And as we all know, meetings often become center stage for voicing a litany of problems. Discussions can then go in all directions as the group hunts for solutions.
People tend to be more inventive and resourceful than they think. A little intentional effort—some concentrated thought—can untangle a host of problems. Shimkin’s rule forces people to tap their own resources.
It might just be worth a try.
Shimkin had realized his employees were asking management to solve various problems, coming to them too often. It was eating up considerable time, especially during staff meetings. And as we all know, meetings often become center stage for voicing a litany of problems. Discussions can then go in all directions as the group hunts for solutions.
Dale Carnegie’s timeless self-help book How to Stop Worrying and Start Living
describes a creative remedy
Shimkin devised to address this counterproductive practice. Shimkin required anyone presenting a problem during a meeting to first submit a written memo that answered four questions:
- Exactly what is the problem?
- What is its cause?
- What are all the possible solutions you can muster?
- Which of those solutions do you recommend?
That fact-finding and brainstorming exercise is useful on so many levels. First, having potential solutions in mind makes discussions during the meeting more productive, more guided. Instead of coming into a problem-solving session cold, there are already ideas on the table to consider—including one recommendation. Second, it lays responsibility squarely on the shoulders of the problem-reporting person, reducing the number of “gripe sessions” or complaints for the sake of complaining. When people are required to undertake this exercise before presenting a problem, many of the unimportant and petty woes melt away. It leaves only those issues worth undertaking.
People tend to be more inventive and resourceful than they think. A little intentional effort—some concentrated thought—can untangle a host of problems. Shimkin’s rule forces people to tap their own resources.
It might just be worth a try.
Good information, good design go a long way
Capturing the reader's attention is your first job
Write solid, usable content to drive traffic to your pages
Even in the digital age, time-honored tactics have value
Take advantage of this important social platform
Tap into the power of the digital age
Infuse staff with new efficiency, creativity, effectiveness
It's the face of your company, so make it a good one
Your response determines whether you grow or wither
New Paragraph