“Seek to record what we ought to have thought”

This week a wise friend shared with me something he was taught by a mentor back in university:

“Seek to record what we ought to have thought”

They recalled this piece of wisdom after I shared with them that, whenever possible, when I am facilitating or leading a group meeting, I like to have someone with me in the room who has one role only, to listen.

Yes, when at “the front of the room” I am also paying close attention to the group, but I have multiple things I am focussed on in that role, so it is hugely valuable to have someone there to listen and to:

“Seek to record what we ought to have thought”

This also takes me back to being President of the governing body for swimming in the Cayman Islands nearly ten years ago. When chairing meetings, one board member I greatly valued was Frankie Flowers, founder of the world class Flowers Sea Swim. Frankie had been on the board for many years, with a clear focus on his annual swim.

In addition, however, he always sat, with his flask of tea, quietly listening to each board meeting. He rarely said anything, but whenever I felt we may be missing something in the conversation. I knew I could ask Frankie what his observations were.

In our world we all too often look to those who think fast and jump in with their ideas. That can be valuable, but a tip for leaders, make sure there is someone in the room who is there to sit quietly and listen, to:

“Seek to record what we ought to have thought”