I facilitated a planning meeting for a client who is preparing for an upcoming organizational retreat. A small group of five people and myself met. I knew we had an ambitious agenda to cover so I jumped in during a pause in the conversation to say ‘shall me get started?’ I sent around some handouts and began to ask everyone to look at the first page when one of the participants asked if we could all introduce ourselves. ‘Of course,’ I responded.

The two minute biography that each person gave was fascinating. Full professional careers working in multiple sectors with nationally recognized organizations and start-up operations that never got high enough to be picked up by radar. Lives that jumped around the globe. Diverse perspectives and multiple talents.

For the rest of the meeting I had a deeper appreciation for every one’s comments because I had a perspective on their past. I had made the assumption the group knew each other. It turned out that a couple of the members were brand new to the organization. It was a great reminder of the power of introductions.