The Leader as Host: Three Key Practices to Optimize Your Meetings

I noticed in my colleague an attitude of service and attention that remained for the full hour. There was a sense of curiosity and respect that allowed me to open up and truly engage.

Several weeks ago I needed to travel several hundred miles for a series of meetings. After hours of transportation challenges, I finally entered the office building of my first meeting, tired but relieved, where I was ushered by the receptionist into a small meeting room to wait for my appointment. Dropping into a chair at the long table, I noticed a small tray beside the speakerphones in front of me. The tray contained several bottles of water (still or sparkling), some glasses, and a bottle opener.

I immediately felt grateful and relaxed as I poured myself a drink and pulled out my notes in anticipation of the upcoming conversation. When my colleague entered the room several minutes later, the first thing he said was, “Thank you for coming. Is there anything else I can get you?”

It occurred to me that I was being well taken care of. In fact, upon further reflection, it struck me that perhaps I was being hosted.