Internal Meeting Moderator

We start the day by debriefing the topic, where we frame the subject of the meeting. We keep the focus firmly on the topic and do not solve other work-related issues. Then we look at different arguments for and against the topic and debate the topic in smaller teams. Debating allows the employees to think about the strengths and weaknesses of different sides of the subject-matter, and to comparatively analyse it against their own position.

Results

Sometimes the employee will change their initial conviction after hearing the arguments at the meeting and realizing that the counter arguments are stronger and the upcoming change is not that bad.

It has also happened that some participants leave with a shared understanding that the initial idea still needs development. Often the employee stands by their position, but because they understand the counter arguments, they will accept the changes. All of these are appropriate results.

The purpose of the meeting is not to forcefully change anyone's opinion, but rather to understand the reasons for the change, to mitigate the emotions that have already arisen, to give everyone time to speak and to listen to the viewpoints in a reasoned manner.

Participants who have attended the meeting have:

• received necessary arguments to make a calculated decision on the topic and have resolved any emotions that had emerged
  
• thought through the most important supporting and counter arguments for themselves and compared them with their personal convictions
• analysed the most important points of the topic with the team and discovered aspects that require further discussion
• realised as a team how to move forward