Meeting Analysis: Thinking Types And Their Application

Have you ever left a meeting wondering if it was truly productive? One key aspect of a successful meeting lies in the types of thinking employed by the participants. In this article, we'll delve into various thinking styles such as concern analysis, problem-solving, decision-making, and planning, and how they manifest in a meeting setting. By understanding these cognitive processes, you can enhance your meeting facilitation skills and ensure that your gatherings are efficient and goal-oriented.

Identifying Thinking Styles in Meetings

To effectively analyze the thinking styles used in a meeting, it's crucial to first define what each style entails. Concern analysis involves identifying and understanding the various concerns and issues that need to be addressed. Problem-solving focuses on finding solutions to specific problems or challenges. Decision-making is the process of selecting the best course of action from a range of options, and planning involves outlining the steps needed to achieve a specific goal. Each of these thinking styles plays a vital role in driving a meeting towards a successful outcome.

Concern Analysis: Unearthing the Underlying Issues

Concern analysis is often the starting point for any productive discussion. It's the process of identifying, clarifying, and prioritizing the various concerns that the group needs to address. This phase is crucial because it sets the stage for subsequent problem-solving and decision-making. Without a clear understanding of the concerns, the meeting can easily veer off track or address superficial issues rather than the core problems.

During a meeting, concern analysis might manifest as a brainstorming session where participants voice their worries, challenges, or obstacles. It could also involve a more structured approach, such as using a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis or a similar framework to identify key areas of concern. The goal is to create a shared understanding of the issues at hand, ensuring that everyone is on the same page before moving forward. To truly excel in concern analysis, it's essential to encourage open communication and active listening. Participants should feel comfortable expressing their viewpoints without fear of judgment. This collaborative environment allows for a more comprehensive identification of concerns, leading to more effective solutions later on. For instance, a team discussing a drop in sales might initially focus on external factors like market competition. However, through concern analysis, they might uncover internal issues such as inadequate training or outdated marketing strategies. This deeper understanding is vital for formulating effective solutions.

Problem-Solving: Finding Solutions to Challenges

Once the concerns have been identified, the meeting often transitions into problem-solving mode. This is where the group actively seeks solutions to the issues that have been raised. Problem-solving can involve a variety of techniques, such as brainstorming, root cause analysis, and the use of problem-solving frameworks. The key is to generate a range of potential solutions and then evaluate them based on their feasibility and effectiveness.

In a meeting, problem-solving might look like a structured discussion where participants propose different solutions and weigh their pros and cons. It could also involve a more creative approach, such as using design thinking principles to develop innovative solutions. The success of problem-solving depends on the group's ability to think critically and collaboratively, and to consider a variety of perspectives. Effective problem-solving also requires a clear understanding of the problem's root cause. Superficial solutions might offer temporary relief, but they often fail to address the underlying issues. Techniques like the 5 Whys, where you repeatedly ask