The Art of Effective Meetings: A Billionaire’s Approach
When it comes to conducting meetings, billionaire Jeff Bezos takes an unconventional approach. As the founder of a global giant, Bezos has mastered the art of fostering genuine discussions and combating “group think” in the conference room.
Reversing the Hierarchy
Bezos’ strategy is simple yet effective: he instructs everyone to speak in reverse order of seniority, starting with the most junior person in the room. This approach ensures that the boss’s thoughts don’t unduly influence the opinions of others, allowing for a more authentic exchange of ideas.
The Power of Silence
In Bezos’ ideal meeting, participants are given a six-page memo to read in silence for 30 minutes. This “study hall” approach creates the perfect context for a meaningful discussion, as attendees are forced to engage with the material and come prepared with thoughtful insights.
Messy Discussions and Wandering Conversations
Bezos values conversations that wander and meander, rather than strictly following the agenda. He believes that the most productive meetings are those that are “messy” and run late, as they indicate a genuine exchange of ideas.
Keeping it Brief
While Bezos is open to lengthy discussions, he does try to keep each meeting under an hour in total. This approach helps to minimize stress and maximize productivity.
A Shared Approach
Bezos is not alone in his approach to meetings. Other tech executives, such as Jack Dorsey, former CEO of Twitter, also swear by the power of silent reading and thoughtful discussion.
The Bottom Line
Effective meetings are crucial to success in any industry. By adopting Bezos’ approach, you can foster a culture of open communication, combat “group think,” and drive meaningful results. So, the next time you’re leading a meeting, try reversing the hierarchy, embracing silence, and letting the conversation wander. You might just be surprised at the outcome.
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