Your calendar is full. You run from one meeting to the next.
You show up physically. But mentally, you are still on the last email. You bring reactive energy. The discussion goes off track. You waste time and complain about “too many meetings.”
Years ago, I read Coaching for Performance by John Whitmore. I applied one simple rule during my 20 years as an executive.
Do not just prepare your agenda. Prepare your intention.
Whether it’s an informal chat or a high-stakes board meeting, a discussion is dynamic. Anything can happen. But your intention puts you in the right frame of mind.
Here are 4 simple steps to prepare your meetings with intention today:
1/ The Pre-Meeting Pause
The Concept: You cannot bring good energy if you are carrying the stress of the last hour. You need a mental reset.
The Actionable Tool: The “120-Second Buffer”
Before you click the Zoom link or open the meeting room door, stop. Take a quiet time for two minutes. Breathe. Let the previous task disappear.
Coaching Question: What energy I want to bring into this room?
2/ The “Wildly Successful” Vision
The Concept: We often enter difficult meetings expecting the worst. This defensive mindset guarantees a bad result. You must free yourself from limiting thoughts.
The Actionable Tool: The Whitmore Question
Ask yourself: “If this meeting were to wildly exceed my expectations, what would happen in it?”
Coaching Question: If I had no fear of conflict, what is the best possible outcome I would aim for today?
3/ The Written Anchor
The Concept: An intention in your head is just a wish. An intention on paper is a commitment.
The Actionable Tool: The Notebook Rule
Do not just think about it. Write your intention at the top of your notebook page before the meeting starts. Keep it open on your desk during the exchange.
Coaching Question: How am I keeping my main focus visible when the discussion becomes chaotic?
4/ The Reality Check
The Concept: You do not learn from experience. You learn from reflecting on your experience.
The Actionable Tool: The Post-Meeting Point
When the meeting ends, stay in your seat for 2 more minutes. Look at your written intention. Make a quick note on how your initial mindset changed the outcome of the room.
Coaching Question: How did my intention change the behavior of the other people in the room?
The Bottom Line
Meetings are unpredictable. But when you define your intention, you bring your best energy. And often, that energy creates better results. Stop letting your calendar control your mind.
Changing behavior is hard. Elite athletes rarely reach the podium alone. They use a coach to recognize blind spots. You are a corporate athlete. Your daily challenges are your Olympic games. Let’s have a 15-minute talk to define your next step.
Thank you.Dror.
( Say hello on Linkedin)
PS: Whenever you’re ready, here are 2 ways I can help you accelerate your career through coaching:
For Aspiring Senior Leaders/C-Suite:
- Accelerate Your Path to Leadership: I help you create your big picture and build a plan to accelerate your path. Let’s schedule a 15-minute call to explore if we can work together.
For Current Senior Leaders/C-Suite:
- Elevate Your Leadership Impact: You know even small refinements at your level can drive significant organizational results and career acceleration. I accompany you on your project and guarantee the result. Schedule a focused 15-minute discussion.
