Many key discussions end with one or more people in a holding pattern. Unfortunately, it's often after the fact that we realize something was missed or left unaddressed.
Whether an interview, tough discussion, sales opportunity, executive team or board meeting—the many variables in the room (personalities, agendas, politics, etc.) can take you off course, diverting you from your main objective(s).
Near the end of such important meetings, I’ve found that asking one of the following questions is a surpsingly simple and powerful way to arrive at the right destination in a timely way, without the need for further clarification. Here are a few examples:
“Is there anything you hoped to get out of this discussion that remains a question or concern for you?”
and/or
“If we stopped here, would you be leaving with something important to you unresolved?”
and/or
“Are we leaving anything unspoken or ignored here that could make this discussion truly a great one?”
If you find these might be helpful to you, feel free to try one or more of them. You may be surprised and delighted by what you accomplish—and land that job, deal, or influential support you needed.
David Peck
Principal and Senior Executive Coach
Goodstone Group, LLC
