Start a meeting with a quick two-word check-in, says researcher Brené Brown.
She made the suggestion during a keynote conversation with moderator Holly Ransom at the PCMA Leadership Conference in Houston.
Brown recommends starting all meetings with each participant describing how they are feeling in two words. This method is effective because it is very short and allows people to express their feelings without being judged. “There are a lot of heavy-hearted people in the world,” she said.
This exercise shows that it is possible to feel many things at the same time. If your meeting is too large and you can’t do this exercise verbally, use an app.
strength in weakness
Vulnerability is often misunderstood, she said. This is not a sign of weakness, but of strength. It’s time to take off the armor, she shared.
“When you can’t predict the outcome, that’s when vulnerability comes in and you take it all in,” she said. “Being willing to show up, be uncomfortable, and realize that being uncomfortable is what courage feels like, that’s bold leadership.”
Many viewers said they enjoyed learning about the power of vulnerability from Brené Brown. “For too long, the unspoken best practice in leadership has been to take words like your life, your emotions, your vulnerability out of the workplace, and now there’s a shift to bringing that back so you can be The most authentic leader. I personally have always led so I resonate with the message.
focus on connection
Brown expressed sympathy for the audience of about 3,800 business event planners, saying: “What you do is really hard. People are not in a good place right now, and it’s getting harder.
She acknowledged the importance of face-to-face meetings. “Connection is at the heart of what you do. Creating an experience where people feel seen and heard,” she said. “When people leave the party, they have more energy than they brought with them.”
The audience applauded as Brown acknowledged the effort in connection. “I love this new trend where people are dedicating more real networking time to the meetings they are hosting,” she said. “Let me tell you, it pays off.”
Brown’s thoughts on artificial intelligence
Brown also talked about today’s hottest trend, artificial intelligence, which she doesn’t see as a threat. “To be a successful leader, you must be good at building trust, engagement and people skills that no technology can replace,” she said. “We need the skill to be human. That will be all that’s left.
