How many
group functions have you ever attended and noticed the appearance of a “Meeting
Fly”? These common houseflies join the event and perform one of two maneuvers.
They either fly from person to person (Hopper Fly) and result in many phantom
“hand waves” or they just continually fly over the middle of the conference
table (Pattern Fly). The Hopper Fly has a tendency to focus on the head area of
the attendees while the Pattern Fly usually flies in a square pattern performing
as skillfully as a master aerobatic pilot.
Now
think of your fellow employees at that same meeting. Do you have people who love
to hear the sound of their own voice? They are always talking and hopping from
topic to topic just like the Hopper Fly. Do you have people who are so focused
on their way of thinking that they will not listen to anyone else so they just
remain in a constant pattern of drivel much like the Pattern Fly?
It can
be quite a challenge to swat a fly. If you try to swat a Pattern Fly, good luck.
It is documented that a fly can change direction in as little as 30 thousandths
of a second (.030 of a second). The typical “Blink of an Eye” lasts
approximately 3 tenths of a second (.03 of a second). So you can see that the fly can change
direction as quickly as you blink.
You have
a better chance of swatting a Hopper Fly if you know a few things about their
weaknesses. First of all, they will actually jump backwards before they take
off in flight. You must aim slightly behind the fly to make contact. Also
remember that a fly’s eyes let them see in all directions at once so a careful
approach is necessary if you do not want to alert the fly to your intentions.
Approaching from behind does give you a slight advantage as they do have a very
small blind spot in the rear.
Now as
you are trapped in a meeting that is going on-and-on-and on, swat the flies. Be
honest with yourself and listen to your contributions to the meeting. Are you
one of the flies? Do not just sit there and allow the meeting to be a time
suck. Challenge yourself, challenge each other and break boundaries.