conducting efficient meetings: Process, Connection and Communication

Most people have the habit of going straight for the content when working on an issue. And gradually, we find out that we need to deal with several other things properly before we can deal with the content efficiently.

When coaching a group or person, I will try to make them really look at the processes, connections and communication. This is all about the questions 'why do you do that?' and '(how) can it be done better?' It is all about awareness of habits.

why use a model like PCC?

In my experience, after more than 15 years of coaching people in groups or individually, everyone starts working on the content immediately. Without thinking about the preconditions known as Process/Connection/Communication. They will then often ask each other questions, based on the content, about the process, the connections or (the way of) communication.

But if you turn it around, and make sure the PVC are handled appropriately, you can get to the core of the content much faster, and that part of the meeting needs hardly any coaching.

Process

The process question is the simplest: "Is our process optimal?" This question is relevant for all forms of processes, ranging from the habit of always sitting in the same spot during a meeting to the four process stages of a meeting (preparation, meeting, decision-making, action).

We can start a process in many different ways, but is it a conscious choice? Or are we led by habits or convenience? That is why you should start by asking two process questions, thus ensuring that you work in a targeted and efficient manner. Agree on:

1. what do we want to achieve?
2. what is the fastest / most efficient / most effective process to achieve that goal?

Once you’ve gotten those answers, you start the process.

Connection

The question about connection is somewhat more complicated: "Do we cooperate (well)?" It is essential to know what connections you have made with the people and organisations around you.

For what purpose have you made these connections? Are they still delivering the desired result? Or do you need to look for new or better connections to achieve your goal? You might be talking in the same room, about the same subject, but are you working together or are you opponents? Do you have the same interests, or do they contradict each other? Are you meeting with the right people? How you collaborate is essential for all the subsequent steps.

Communication

The communication question is next: "Do we understand each other?" You communicate in a certain way, but does the message come across the way it is supposed to? Or does the message get lost in the manner of communication?

Many people listen to other people based on certain assumptions. Good communication is all about being able (and willing) to listen without assumptions or judgment. Here too, awareness leads to insight and subsequently to improvement.

Process, Connection and Communication = PCC

Together, the Process, Connection and Communication (PCC) form a triangle, with the content (Dutch) in the middle. If you do not use one of the three elements optimally, the content will get the upper hand. Process, Connection and Communication form the framework within which you can effectively work on the content.

A better result with PCC

PCC is the leitmotiv in everything I do. During all my training sessions and coaching meetings, PCC is what I try to teach and apply, both in the implementation phase and in the result. But what about the content? The content is yours; it is focused 100% on you. You are the most significant expert in your field, and I will help you determine, contribute to and achieve your goal.

By focusing on PCC first, the content leads to a better and faster understanding and a broad-based result that has a great chance of success. If you have a clear understanding of the PCC issues and make the right arrangements for them, you can use the content efficiently (Dutch) and quickly reach your goal as a group!

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