There are two parts to every learning experience. The first part involves mastering new skills. The second (and critical) part involves choosing to use them.

Key Point: You can be an effective leader even when others aren’t.

3) Some people play make-believe. Many years ago I received an evening phone call from a colleague who wanted to know if I could recommend a good book on how to hold effective meetings. It seems this person was scrambling to find material for a workshop that was scheduled to start next morning.

You will learn more from an expert, rather than from someone who is delivering a book report. In this case, I recommended either of two books that I had written on how to hold effective meetings.

Many companies hire trainers who build training programs based on books that they read. And some entrepreneurs agree to speak on topics that are purely academic for them. The best trainers ARE message, which means that they live and breathe and use what they teach. They can answer any questions, meet any needs, help with any situations that participants may bring up. They truly know their topic.

Key Point: Hire a trainer who wrote book instead of one who (you hope) read a book.

Any training program can succeed, if delivered to people who want to improve by an expert who can show them how.

Is it helpful? Evaluate comments and behavior during a meeting. Are participants working to support each other? Are people contributing to safe environment that is essential for open creative thinking? Are people adding high-value contributions (instead of stories or jokes that distract everyone)? Note that chronic unproductive behavior betrays either fear, a lack of effective work skills, or misunderstood expectations. People who perform poorly in meetings may need constructive coaching.

Is it controlled? Leadership involves more than watching people talk. Thus, observe dynamics of meeting process. Is chairperson leading everybody through methodical steps that take them to a result? Is meeting being conducted in such a way that participants feel that it is a fair process? Is chairperson helping others perform at their best so that group can produce an outstanding result?

Someone who excels in above areas should be considered for leadership positions. This explains why most executives consider a person’s ability to lead meetings when selecting future leaders.