Meetings can become very onesided . They can be spaces where power dynamics and biases stifle diversity and inclusion . Some people can be overshadowed by the more dominant voices in the room and marginalised individuals can be too fearful to speak out . Philip Atkinson , Coach , Founder of Hive Logic and Author , highlights how to unlock the full potential of teams , leaders must transform meetings into equitable environments where everyone feels heard , respected and empowered to contribute .

Before diving into solutions , it ’ s crucial to acknowledge the challenges . In a 2024 study by Flowtrace . co , it was estimated that US-based middle managers spent around 50 % of their collective time in meetings , and a striking 71 % of these meetings were deemed unproductive . Unconscious biases , hierarchical structures and differing communication styles can all hinder inclusivity . Dominant personalities may overshadow quieter voices , while marginalised individuals may feel hesitant to speak up due to fear of judgment or microaggressions .

Leaders of teams today need to have a high Emotional Quotient , or EQ , to ensure a team is working effectively and is greater than the sum of its individual members . The first step is to make sure that each individual feels psychologically safe to speak up and contribute . This was a key finding of the 2012 Google Aristotle Project where Julia Rozovsky and her team of researchers studied the most important factors for a team ’ s success . The project concluded that who was on a team mattered less than

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