Q: My company’s CEO holds “town hall meetings” a couple of times a year. Topics include our industry outlook, competitors, and the state of our business. We also get a chance to ask questions. Even though this sounds good and we look forward to these meetings, because responses tend to be vague and generalized, we usually feel no better informed afterward. Is there a way to make these meetings more effective?
A: As a rule, I recommend town hall meetings as a great communication tool that can bring huge benefit to the company and its employees for very little cost. But, they must be done correctly, otherwise -as you illustrate- they’re ineffective.
If a CEO approaches these meetings with an attitude that says “This is what’s coming down, and every one needs to get with the program,” then he/she is there only to inform, missing a chance to lead and engage the workforce.
Holding successful town hall meetings can mean increased employee satisfaction and commitment. To be effective, meetings must be led by someone employees find trustworthy and credible, and who conveys honesty and respect. Someone who is interested in a dialogue, not a monologue, since town hall meetings offer one of very few opportunities that employees have to communicate from the bottom up.
In your case, try suggesting that employees be allowed to submit questions or concerns in advance of the next meeting. This gives the CEO time to better prepare answers and not get caught off-guard –when we resort to platitudes and generalities. Even the best of us can come across as vague when we struggle to respond to a question or topic we weren’t expecting.
Submitting questions in advance also provides those employees who might otherwise be uncomfortable speaking up in a group, a way to participate in the conversation. Of course having questions in advance should not mean that questions aren’t allowed during the meeting, just fewer questions.
In my experience, I’ve found that carefully planned town hall meetings are well worth the effort, and hope that with these suggestions, you find yourself better-informed and engaged after the next one.
© Copyright Eva Del Rio
