Nov 24
- Author: Web San Diego
- Posted in San Diego Tech Meetings
As many of the readers and list members have probably attended their fair share of tech group meetings (if not, why not?) I wanted to ask what factors do you feel lend well to highly productive meetups. What do you recommend first time guests bring or do to prepare.
One of the things I’ve noticed is that the meeting place itself is crucial to the ability for people to interact. Having attended a recent meeting where seating arrangements made socializing beyond your immediate neighbors near impossible, without a bit of awkwardness amongst those trying to make first-time acquaintances . Here’s an interesting read from FindArticles.com about the psychology of seating arrangments in business meetings.
Lastly, I think that meeting planning is crucial to help others know what mindset they should be in when arriving in order to both gain the most from and contribute the most to the meeting.
Please share your tips and experiences (good or bad)!
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I think that article about the psychology of seating arrangements is fascinating. I’m pretty shy in a group meeting environment- roots back to my school days when I was terrified to raise my hand in class. Although I am shy, I do enjoy a great group dynamic, which is why I agree with both of your points. When I have a day or two (or even an hour or two) to digest the topical matter to be discussed at the meeting, I can prepare questions and/or organize my thoughts about the topic. Also, when the seats are arranged in a way that either separates me from the group, or forces me too close to a neighbor- there is an unspoke air of awkwardness that distracts from the meeting. I enjoy “circle” set-up because it is open and inviting, and I feel welcome to speak to anyone, but not forced to speak to the person directly next to me.
Megan PetersonApril 25, 2007 at 14:32 pm