Dr. Ryan Meers

About me

I have a passion for education and especially for ensuring that all of us continue to apply what we have learned. I am excited about the opportunity that the Lounge provides for all of us to discuss how we are applying what we have learned & to share those great ideas.

I have had a varied background from secondary education to corporate training & now working in the career college sector. But while I have moved in different circles it has always been surrounding my passion of education. I look forward to our conversations.

Website

http://www.maxknowledge.com/faculty.php?id=11172

Activity

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

The Skilled Persuader

Great observations, especially your point about having the reputation of someone they can trust. I think too often we view persuasion as something negative, but it really is a necessary part of our jobs as leaders. Leadership researcher & author Jay Conger wrote a great article on this topic for Harvard Business Review called "The Necessary Art of Persuasion." If you have access to archived copies of HBR it might be worth a read. It is in the May-June 1998 edition. Ryan

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

The Coaching Process

Great steps you've outlined here. I would also add for preparation the importance of making sure you are in the right frame of mind. If you're running from a meeting or have just come from putting out a fire, it may not be the best time for you to have this conversation. In regards to action steps, I also find it very helpful for both parties to repeat what they believe are the next steps & the agreed upon action, this way you can ensure clarity. Ryan

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

The Skilled Persuader

Yes, it's amazing how our body language & eye contact can send a message of openness & trust or seem like we're trying to hide something.

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

The Effective Presenter

Great ideas Richard. In regard to being prepared & knowing your topic, if you are presenting something potentially controversial or "debatable" sometimes it's helpful to have someone play the "devil's advocate" & ask questions that might be posed to you. Also, I always like to know when I am speaking & what surrounds me on the agenda. This allows me to know what else might be on the audience's minds so I can be more effective. Ryan

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

It’s All About Relationship!

Absolutely. And I've generally discovered that this is best accomplished through effective listening. Ryan

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

Customizing Your Presentation

Great strategy. I've heard of some popular speakers who will get the local papers for the area they will speaking a couple of weeks ahead of time. Then they look for stories or illustrations at the local level that they can use in their presentations & then have a greater impact with their message. Always good to research the audience ahead of time & know what you're getting into. Ryan

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

The Skilled Persuader

I definitely agree with this idea. Often it is through the respect of those "significant others' that we ourselves can gain credibility. What would you do if you were in a situation by yourself? How would you go about establishing your credibility? Ryan

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

The Capable Coach

The difficulty I have run into with these terms is that there is no universal definition & so often the interpretation is left open. Coaching is generally divided into two categories, one being that of performance coaching which usually takes place in the moment & is focused on a specific task. Then there is developmental coaching which is more of a long-term relationship focusing on assisting employees in their career progression.

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

The Skilled Persuader

I think these are some excellent strategies. It has been my observation that few of us listen appropriately. When we don't fully listen we miss the meaning of the other individual & then act or respond based on assumptions. This does not give us credibility but rather makes us look like we are only pushing our agenda. In connection with your comment we become the "fool" or appear stupid. By the way, this is one of my mother's favorite quotes. Ryan

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

The Capable Coach

Great observation.

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