Leading with Feeling, Part 2

In the last couple of weeks, I've been reminding myself of three things before I lead a meeting or conference call.

1. Look for ways to make these people feel good about their roles in this project or team
2. Gather their ideas and add them to the plan or strategy
3. Find out what they want to get out of the project--what career, emotional, social or other things this can do for them.

These ideas are from the book Stomp the Elephant in the Office: Put an End to the Toxic Workplace, Get More Done -- and Be Excited About Work Again.  Engage people by making them feel good, including their input, and including their motivations in the project.  

So far, this seems to be working.  Meetings seem livelier.  People are stepping up more.  Reminding myself about these three goals just before each meeting helps me apply the concepts in real life immediately.