Messing up the meeting......

I was speaking to a fellow 4ner who mentioned that in his area the GL had lost track of (more than once) the meeting timings and therefore the format for the meeting was changed - ie the group didn't get 3 x 1-2-1's.

Is this acceptable? 4N as a brand delivers a format for which members buy into. We buy an experience, format and opportunity to get appointments. At the very least its the GL's responsibility to ensure that members get what they pay for. I appreciate that there is a curve to travel up and 'get used' to the script etc but its not difficult, surely?

Would you feel a need to tackle this if it happened at your group on more than one occassion?

FAO GL's - How easy/difficult is it to keep on track in your experience?

Completely agree with Stef - keeping meetings to a time is the GL's responsibility.  5 minutes here or there isn't a big issue, but anymore, is not good form, particularly if its known to be happening often.

if it happens more than once, absolutely.  I agree it is a brand, & what is nice about that is that we can rely on the structure to be consistent.  

Can't imagine that you're going to have many people disagreeing with you, Nick. Whilst it might be tiresome to hear the script for the umpteenth time, there are always newbies around and there is an expectation of structure and, yes, rhythm to a 4N breakfast.

The sign of a good GL is one who can deliver the script with sufficient pzazz to keep it light and topical, without wandering off on their own.

As for keeping everyone else to time, that's a skill in itself. One that usually has to be learned. It's also useful to have that strange, nebulous skill called leadership. I know you GLs out there work hard but remember we are paying for your services and the 4N structure is part of that service.

I say if the GL  is not up to the role, then it's time to get rid.

Kev

That's why the 4sight is a variable time slot, if the 40 secs over run you cab cut the 4sighter down to make it up.

No excuse for finishing after 10 - I never did, but I had no excuse for it!

Hey nick i have had this happen to me at more than one meeting and it really grinds me, i took it up with senior members of the team and have to say the response was not great, the least i would have expected was acknowledgment of my complaint with an apology.

what do you think should happen if a complaint is raised concerning this matter of business time lost due to poor time keeping...apology, refund?

The format of a 4N meeting is simple and brilliant - it includes the opportunity to give a 40 second elevator pitch, to listen to a short presentation and to have 3 10-minute 121 business meetings.  That is what works, that is what is expected, that is what is sold to new visitors as the expected format.  therefore, in my opinion to deviate from that format is unacceptable.  Sorry - but I reckon that's it and all of it.  Posh Totty is a secret conformist 

Having visited many groups around the country I have never seen this happen, but yes I've heard about it.

It really amazes me that it happens, there really isn't any rocket science in it, just follow the guide lines and brand and wow you do what it says on the tin (or pocket Guide even)

For me the biggest reasons not run over time or change the brand is that

1, it makes the team look unprofessional in all they must do (including their own business dealings)

2, the members and Visitors have paid for what 4N advertise so thats what they should get.

I completely agree that it is not acceptable. One of the most successful aspects of 4N is that it is brand consistent and therefore whether attending a meeting in Edinburgh, Bristol or Cardiff then visitors and members should know exactly what to expect. If a GL is unable to deliver this it not only reflects poorly on their ability within 4N but more detrimental is the negative impression it can give upon their business.

I would suggest a quick word with the AL should see this resolved, if not then speak to the RL.

I would like to say that this NEVER happens at Welsh groups as we are all sticklers for brand consistency.

Never ever happened at Runcorn under my GLship! In fact we've never strayed more than about 3 minutes! It's not rocket science. It just requires a watch really!

Having to stop 4Sights when they're really great can be difficult (or rather a shame) - but the structure is there for a reason. And while some people may be happy to stay beyond 10am - many people have appointments to get to - and businesses to run afterwards. And those that want to stay to continue networking once the formal meeting has closed - can do!

THe 4N structure rocks as far as I'm concerned (beats any other I've been to hands down) - and that's why I love it. And why many do - and it's our responsibility that it happens!

The end.

x

Is it not the responsibility of the team as a whole to keep the timings on track?  Where was the AL, MA and OA?  No, our group's are not perfect and we have finished a couple of minutes past 10, but we work as a team to check the timings to ensure that everything fits where it should do.  Maybe it's a tad unfair to put all the blame on the GL?

Fantastic consistency of comments here and great that everyone seems to agree about the brand and format IT WORKS! so why when it doesnt and it is raised as a complaint is nothing done about it?