To everyone present, it was clear that the meeting was beginning to get out of hand. The presenter started confidently enough but the speed and intensity of the questions thrown at him had shaken his confidence. Within a short period of time there were three at the heart of a verbal barrage where everyone, myself included, outside the immediate circle found themselves struggling to follow. As I tried to understand the various threads, the positions began to harden. It was reasonable to conclude that listening was the last thing anyone in the room was focusing on.
With a move that seems almost foolish in hindsight, I offered the following; “Can we table this discussion? It would be good for the team to reflect on the feedback and come back to this group with an update that addresses the questions being raised.”
The silent looks from the inner circle made me question the wisdom of interrupting. In the moment, the only option was to keep going. “It seems that the next steps are not clear. I suggest we provide more detail that include milestones, outcomes, artefacts, and dates. Perhaps we could use a format that follows the update earlier in the meeting.”
“Good idea.”
As we moved on to close the meeting, I wondered what would come next. The casual conversation after most had left the room confirmed that the interruption had been the right thing to do. Later, as I reviewed the situation with senior managers, their response assured me that my back was covered. With the assurance, the fears and uncertainties began to fade.
The sense of peace that followed startled me. Observations that came in the moment included the following.
Knowing someone is at your side, covering your back, opens a well of courage and hope. The psalmist’s words resonated; “God’s now at my side and I’m not afraid; who would dare lay a hand on me?” (Psalm 118.6)
Acting from a position of strength does not mean that there is no work for those involved. In this case, the work is just beginning.
