Blind business meetings are always challenging. The fact that mutual friends think it is a good idea for you to meet is rarely enough to get the meeting started. Even when there is an agenda or talking points, the first few moments are naturally awkward. Where does one start? Does one agenda top the other?
In the past few weeks I have had so many of these that I find myself looking at patterns in the ones that worked as well as the ones that were more difficult. I find that the good ones are mirror opposites with the difficult ones. The learning points include the following.
Good conversations start with a premise of listening to learn. When both parties come to the table with this held deep within, there is a high probability that everyone will leave with more than what they brought.
Individuals that have the most to give often start with a humble premise. They may be confident but they are rarely arrogant. They may be assured but they never presume. They may have something incredible yet they are always looking what might be better or more. In one case, his words echoed Paul’s, “It was fitting that I bring up the rear.” (1 Corinthians 15.8)
Individuals with something that is working share what is shareable without apologies for what is not. Great ideas are often linked to a time and place. The conversations the progress ideas that work seem to link the pieces together in ways that work. Nothing is rushed or forced.
In several conversations I found myself energized when I left. I could feel hope. I could sense the potential. The possibilities were more than I imagined. The binding attributes of learning, humbles, and timing was one of mutual respect. When this was present, everything was able to follow. It is not always easy to bring these together. One cannot it all. Each has a role to play. It will take others to make it work. Hope always involves more than one. Going forward, I know I have my role.
