Transcript
Transcript: Anick's Quick Tips for Executives: Preparing for Bilateral Meetings
[00:00:00 Anick Ouellette appears on screen in a modern Canadian government office. She is holding a laptop.]
Anick Ouellette: Hello. My name is Anick Ouellette and here are some of my tips.
[00:00:05 The title page appears. Soft and inspiring music is playing. Text appears on screen: Quick Tips From Anick: Preparing for Bilateral Meetings.]
[00:00:13 Text appears on screen: Anick Ouellette, Former Assistant Deputy Minister, Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer, Canada School of Public Service.
[00:00:19 Text appears on screen: Anick Ouellette – Faculty Member, Canada School of Public Service.]
Anick Ouellette: You are an executive with a very busy schedule, and you learn that your manager's office has scheduled a series of bilateral meetings with you every two weeks. You say to yourself: "Honestly, I really don't have time for this."
First off, try not to stress yourself out and, instead, see these meetings as a great opportunity to exchange important information, take stock of projects and get feedback. In my humble opinion, there are two golden rules for successful bilateral meetings. Arrive on time and prepare in advance.
So yes, my manager may be late, but it is important for me to be punctual and even arrive a little early. It allows me to reread my notes, refocus and give my time to the different topics I would like to cover. I also take this opportunity to chat with the staff in my manager's office because these colleagues are allies with whom I want to maintain a close relationship.
First and foremost, I believe being well prepared means sending out an agenda ahead of time. The text must be concise but, above all, contain just enough details to pique curiosity. I like to separate it into three parts: strategic priorities, business records and administrative issues.
Unsurprisingly, I spend much more time on strategic priorities when I meet with my manager. This enables us to discuss strategies and approaches and, as a result, obtain their feedback. I also make sure to keep priority topics in mind because the meeting may be cut short without notice. At the beginning of the meeting, I often state the topics I will cover and give my manager the opportunity to do the same.
Finally, there may be times when a bilateral meeting is not necessary or appropriate. So, you should not hesitate to cancel it.
[00:02:07 The closing slide appears. Text appears on screen: Quick Tips From Anick: Preparing for Bilateral Meetings.]
[00:02:15 The Canada School of Public Service logo appears. Text appears on screen: canada.ca/school]
[00:02:22 The Canada wordmark appears.]
