Partner Share to Bring Out Everyone's Best Many times meetings are a one-way communication "Data Dump". The Agenda is filled with Project Updates, PowerPoint and reports from subcommittees ... and you sit passively listening while the person in the front talks. Then you simply move on to the next agenda item. Not only is this boring, you are wasting the strengths and experience of the people on your team.   Here's a powerful tool you can use at the end of any Agenda Item that will: Increase participation Energize the group Give participants the opportunity to clarify what they heard ... or missed And find out what is REALLY important to the team about the data you just covered. Probe the Team for understanding of the data. Compare what they say with your appreciation of the key points presented. Use the Team to generate even better Ideas Use the Team for their analysis of Risks and Benefits   Partner Share/Group Share Technique [Download the Partner Share Script here] The SetUp: Once the spokesperson has finished their project update, tell the group: "Please stand up ...   Find a Partner or form a Group of Three" Standing is an important physical change of "state" that will increase energy and participation. Give them time to find a partner.   Ask: "Who does not have a Partner" Give them time to find one.   Say: "Decide what who will be the "A" and the "B" partner." Give them a moment to decide...   And then: ""B" goes first" Everyone will laugh and loosen up... The Share:   Say, "You will each have 2 minutes I will tell you when to switch Discuss with your partners...   Here are some Example Discussion Questions: The three most important things you heard in that last presentation The three things you don't understand from that last presentation What questions do you have left over at this point What do you see as your role in what was just discussed What improvements would you suggest for what you just heard What are the risks you see in what was just discussed "   When time is up  [we suggest you use a timer that rings] say: "O.K. now it is the "A" Partner's turn.   I will keep time for you. ................ And begin ... "   The Payoff:   When time is up ... "O.K. time to finish up.   Go ahead and thank your partner." Give them time to thank their partner and settle back in.   Then stand at the front of the room and say: "Thinking back on what you just heard ... and your own thoughts ... Who would like to SHARE what you heard with the rest of the GROUP?" You may need to hold the silence here for a several seconds before the first person volunteers. Give them the floor and be ready for some great feedback and additional ideas.   They have had a chance to process the data in their minds and out loud. Their thoughts are more organized, they are engaged and participating and often times passionately felt ideas will come out and the rest of the team gets a chance to comment.   We guarantee this to be the best seven minutes of feedback your projects have ever had.     Here are the Key Points   - Use Groups of two and three - the dynamics of a very small group are essential. In twos and threes you will get 100% participation and honest feedback that is often missing in larger group discussions. - Use a Timer and stick to the 1 - 2 minutes per person - time pressure brings out the best ideas quickly. - Always End with a Group Share - this puts the best ideas on the table for the whole group to see. Because "Great Minds Think Alike"   - We suggest you play upbeat music during the partner share to raise the energy even higher.       We Guarantee the Partner Share will increase the energy in any room.   [Download the Partner Share Script here]     Here's to your Success,           Peg