Tuned Out

Another day, another video conference call. You’re one of twenty-two faces on the screen. About fifteen minutes into the call, you realize that your mind has started to wander. You consider that you should probably give a little more attention to the meeting but decide that you can work through a few emails that have been sitting in your inbox. No one will notice anyway, right?

Organizations have spent years training leaders to run productive meetings, and the conversation has become even more specific in recent days as leaders are expected to run productive virtual meetings. Although the role of the meeting leader is a critical topic, what is often overlooked in training is the role that participants play in a meeting’s success.

Over a century ago, a French architectural engineer made a discovery that may explain why virtual meetings can be so challenging. Max Ringelmann asked a group of people to pull on a rope. He then asked participants, individually, to pull on the same rope. He observed that when people worked alone, they put more energy into pulling than when they worked as a team. The larger the team, the less responsibility an individual took for the team’s success.

The Ringelmann Effect, as it’s known today, is magnified in virtual meetings and conference calls. When we don’t feel critical to the success of the meeting, we tend to become distracted and give less effort to the meeting (if we don’t tune out entirely). How can we minimize the Ringelmann Effect and give more to (and get more from) our meetings? The secret involves thoughtful and targeted involvement. Here are four tactics that will encourage us to contribute more effectively to our next virtual meeting.

Clarify our value. Before jumping into our next meeting, let’s take a few moments to define our purpose in the meeting. Consider questions such as:

  • Why have I been invited to this meeting?
  • What contribution can I make to each agenda item?
  • What do I hope to learn from the call?

Having clarity around our value to the meeting (and its value to us) will encourage our minds to stay engaged.

Aim to listen first, then speak. We can sometimes become so fixated on sharing information that it impairs our ability to listen for information. In virtual meetings, this tendency creates regrettable results as people are talking at (or over) one another rather than having a healthy discussion. Ironically, one of the best ways to be heard is to be a good listener. Research shows that when we practice active listening, it improves the engagement level of others, making it more likely that they will take notice when we speak and actively listen to us. People are more likely to listen if they first feel heard.

Practice the bounce back. Despite our best efforts to participate well, it’s natural for our minds to wander. When it happens, we can note the distracting thought (assuming it needs to be recorded) and then return our attention to the call. David finds it helpful to have a pad of paper next to him during all meetings. He uses it to jot down distracting thoughts that he can revisit after the meeting or make a note of questions he may want to ask later.

Ask questions. Regardless of how quickly we bounce back, we may find that when we re-engage in a conversation, it has moved in a new direction. We can give ourselves a moment to catch up naturally, but we should never be afraid to admit we lost the transition point and seek help. We can simply say, “I think I must have gotten lost for a second. Could we revisit how we transitioned from discussing our telecommuting policy to talking about telehealth?” Because we can all be victims of wandering minds, it’s likely our question will help others on the call too.

—–

Topical Humor: If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be ‘meetings’ (Dave Barry)

Ethos Leadership Group, LLC

Share Today!

Recent Posts

Read More. Lead More.

Sign Up Today!

Leadership Content Delivered to Your Inbox

We believe leaders need support and encouragement. That’s why we send emails to our clients and friends with content designed to help us renew and refocus as leaders. If you would like to receive our bimonthly emails, sign up today.
Carol Payne

Ethos Team:

Carol Payne

Operations Assistant

Carol joined Ethos in 2020 after working in revenue cycle management and operations for non-profit and for-profit organizations. A natural helper, Carol takes pride in completing operational tasks that allow her teammates to focus on client-facing work. Carol particularly enjoys preparing Ethos’ daily tweets and bi-weekly leadership content for publication.

Fast Facts:

  1. Lived in 10 states before settling in West Virginia in 2012
  2. Is the mother of three grown children
  3. Enjoys reading and spending time with her family
Aaron Ray, Project Analyst

Ethos Team:

Aaron Ray

Development Specialist

Aaron joined Ethos in 2022 after working in the behavioral health field in various roles, including being a counselor and an adjunct professor. A researcher at heart, Aaron works behind the scenes and alongside clients to connect them to evidence-based methods to achieve their goals. Aaron particularly enjoys gathering data, synthesizing information, and working with the Ethos team to meet clients’ needs.

Fast Facts:

  1. He was born and raised in Northeastern Ohio and is a proud fan of Cleveland’s major sports franchises and The Ohio State Buckeyes
  2. Is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Ohio
  3. Aaron enjoys spending time with his family, smoking meat, and cooking good BBQ

Partner with Ethos

Sherri Ferrell

“Whether it’s using a self-assessment process to identify ways to improve board effectiveness, leading the board in strategy development and succession planning, or assisting with CEO performance evaluations, Ethos is skilled at assessing the scope of a board’s needs and devising strategies to help improve their performance and the performance of their organizations.”

Sherri Ferrell
Chief Executive Officer, West Virginia Primary Care Association
Lisa Jones

“I cannot say enough great things about the strategic planning process with Ethos. The process was not only fun but truly engaging. Becky and David were able to take a multitude of ideas from more than 30 participatory team members and help consolidate them into a workable functional plan. I will definitely use Ethos again for strategic planning and other leadership consulting needs!”

Lisa Jones
Chief Executive Officer, Southern Highlands Community Mental Health Center
Renee Steffen

“Ethos was a true consultative partner in our strategic planning process. They listened to our organization’s feedback and were flexible in incorporating modifications into the process in a way that demonstrated they valued our organization’s culture and history. In addition to walking alongside us every step of the way, Ethos’s facilitation skills are top-notch. They helped move the conversation forward during critical breakthrough moments while ensuring everyone felt heard and valued. Several of our board members commented that it was the best strategic planning process in which they had ever participated. I can tell Ethos has a passion for helping clients move forward in a positive direction and this positive energy was highly evident in our experience working with them. We weren’t just another client but rather, we were a valued partner in the work!”

Renee Steffen
Executive Director, Sisters Health Foundation
Stacy DeCicco

“Our work with the Ethos team has impacted nearly every facet of our organization. Our initial experience engaged our board in a strategic thinking exercise. This half day event was originally scheduled to be an isolated experience; what it became was a launching point for organizational growth, professional development, and intentional, sustainable efforts. Our amazing experience within the strategic planning session brought mission and vision centered decision making to life for our team. The conversations of that day were not simply discussions that were archived and put on a shelf at the end of the meeting. They quickly transformed into digestible, attainable action items. Immediate implementation was possible because of the ongoing support and facilitation we received from the Ethos team. That energy and momentum flowed from the board, through our team, and out to the agencies that we support and engage across the community. We are a stronger organization because we are now able to execute our mission and serve our community better than ever before. The investment Ethos has made with us has created ripples that are felt further than they can ever be measured!”

Stacy DiCicco
Executive Director, United Way Alliance of the Mid‑Ohio Valley
Greg Franks

“Having served in leadership roles for several property management companies, I’ve had the opportunity to work with numerous consulting firms. My experience with Ethos Leadership, which involved an operational analysis of an active adult community with more than 16,000 residents, was one of the best experiences.”

“After spending two weeks embedded with our operational team and reviewing hundreds of documents, Ethos provided a comprehensive analysis and set of recommendations that addressed HR, Infrastructure, Leadership, Finance, Programs & Services, Planning, and Customer Service. Following Ethos’ analysis, we executed a plan to adopt sixteen (16) actionable steps that improved our operations while honoring the culture and values of our company and our client.”

“This entire experience set in motion a plan of execution that the community and its residents have benefited from and will for years to come. I highly recommend Ethos and their entire leadership team.”

Greg Franks
Vice President Southeast Region, AAM
Lisa Leach

“I best describe our organization’s experience of leadership development with Ethos Leadership Group as a journey of discovery that leads to building effective teams who are willing to break the silo mentality that often holds organizations from reaching their true potential. I have watched members of both our Management and C-Suite
levels grow and mature through the process Ethos Leadership Group has developed. Staff actively participates in assisting each other to achieve interdepartmental and strategic goals and share in each other’s successes rather than focus on one another’s missed opportunities. Through the discussion-based approach, our management team has learned to feel more confident in their decisionmaking abilities resulting in more effective and timely decisions. Ethos does a tremendous job of defining characteristics of effective leadership and helping staff to identify how their weaknesses and strengths can work in harmony to achieve organizational goals.”

Lisa Leach
Chief Executive Officer, Southern West Virginia Health System
Wendy Gall

“My time participating in the Ethos Executive Coaching program was a pivotal point
for me both professionally, as a new leader, and personally. Based off of a deep understanding of me as an individual, my coach was able to provide invaluable
insights and practices that helped guide me at a time in my career that was, I have to admit, a bit overwhelming. Our insightful discussions, along with the relationship that grew throughout our time working together, challenged me to grow in my areas of weakness and build on my strength, helped me formulate my thoughts around my leadership style, and provided me the tools and support I needed to gain confidence in becoming the authentic leader I am today.”

Wendy Gall
Director, Customer Care Strategic Initiatives and Innovation, First National Bank of Omaha
Enderson Miranda

“Ethos Leadership has been a trusted partner of OnSomble for several years. All members of our executive team trust and rely on Ethos’ expertise and advice. I have personally benefited tremendously by having Ethos available as a sounding board for strategic decisions over my years as COO and CEO at OnSomble. I can confidently say that Ethos consistently plays an important role in the continued growth and success of our company. I would unequivocally recommend the Ethos Leadership Group to any organization that wants to excel.”

Enderson Miranda
Chief Executive Officer, OnSomble, Inc.
Craig Glover

“The team at Ethos Leadership Group are great partners. They listened to my goals and developed a plan specific to my needs. Often, leadership groups have one approach they try to use for every situation. Ethos is different. Their various tools and approaches allows them to develop a custom plan for your organization.”

“The onsite work with the Ethos team was excellent. They are interactive, engaging, and fun. The session felt like a group of friends having a candid discussion as opposed to a work session. I highly recommend working with Ethos Leadership Group.”

Craig Glover
President and CEO, FamilyCare Health Centers
David Ray - Ethos Leadership Group

Ethos Team:

David Ray

Owner

In 2017, David joined Ethos after leading and advising in the non-profit sector. An organizational troubleshooter and natural synergist, David leverages his analytical and relational skills to help clients take their business and team to their desired next level. With a passion to see others live and lead well, David enjoys connecting leaders to evidence-based practices to boost leadership capacity, build human capital, and improve organizational performance. David particularly enjoys working with clients through strategic planning, executive coaching, and team development.

Fast Facts:

  1. Started his own property investment company at the age of 24
  2. Certified Human Behavior Consultant
  3. David enjoys spending time with his family, traveling to islands, and pretty much anything that has to do with personal development
Rebekah D. Mathis-Stump, J.D. - Ethos Leadership Group

Ethos Team:

Rebekah D. Mathis-Stump, J.D.

Owner

Becky joined Ethos in 2009 after leading the daily operations of five distinct work teams over a ten-year period. An analyst and solution-generator by nature, she works with clients to identify their needs and develops a plan of action to reach their desired results. Having worked in numerous disciplines in her career, Becky brings a broad range of knowledge and experience to our clients. Becky particularly enjoys working with clients on organizational audits, strategic planning, employee training and coaching, and governance.

Fast Facts:

  1. Lived in numerous states growing up, finally claiming West Virginia as home after marrying a native son, Jeff Stump
  2. Received life membership in The Order of the Barristers — a national honor society
  3. Becky enjoys reading, golfing, and cheering on the West Virginia University Mountaineers
Dr. James A. Johnson - Ethos Leadership Group

Ethos Team:

Dr. James A. Johnson

Founder

As our Founder, James encourages us to dream bigger dreams and mentors us to achieve them. James brings this same passion to our clients, skillfully blending inspiration with practical application in his work. James’ primary areas of expertise include leadership and fundraising.

Fast Facts:

  1. Development Officer at Pheasants Forever.
  2. Received President’s Volunteer Service Award (presented by President George W. Bush)
  3. James enjoys spending time with his wife (Lesa), and hunting

Partner with Ethos

"*" indicates required fields

Contact Information

Name*

Company Information

How can we help?

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.