DO
✓Send Agendas and detailed information in advance
✓Think before you speak – and then speak confidently
✓Stick to the Agenda and cover each item in sequence
✓Describe specific goals, standards, measures or metrics
✓Give them ‘check lists’, Gantt charts and flow diagrams
✓Let them know early about any changes or problems
✓Stay calm, composed and objective when presenting
✓Emphasise rigor in planning or data gathering activities
✓Use procedural descriptions (e.g. ‘it is a 3 step process’)
✓Use factual, verifiable evidence to support a proposal
✓Talk about ‘iterative’ as opposed to ‘radical’ changes
✓Be clear on what you expect them to deliver/measure
✓Talk about your specific facts, thoughts or assumptions
✓Use a considered and quietly measured tone of voice
✓When asking a question – be patient for their answer!
✓Summarise to confirm you understand what they said
✓Send detailed notes after meetings listing agreements
DON'T
X Physically invade their space or use ‘touch’ contact
X Demand an immediate answer to new topics or issues
X Say they are ‘slow’ when they are only being thorough
X Be overly emotional or use subjective statements
X Act in a dictatorial or threatening way towards them
X Be inconsistent or vague in what you ‘say’ and ‘do’
X Give generalised or subjective feedback or information
X Appear bored or be dismissive of their need for detail
X Highlight any factual errors they make to ‘score points’
X Use emotive words or unsubstantiated generalisations
X Use their ‘unhelpful’ behaviours to describe them
X Rush or ‘make up’ presentations as you are speaking
X Make generalised statements without supporting data
X Expect them to show overly emotional excitement
X Be concerned to ask them for more time or information
X Ask if they are ‘happy’ about your proposals or ideas
X Unexpectedly ‘drop in’ just to make general small talk
