Efficient or Effective?

Yesterday, I visited a networking group and as usual, we received some guests.

But I must kick myself! These guests were registering just before I arrived. I always like to be earlier so that I can greet all guests on their arrival rather than having them greet me. Hope this is a hint to all others in the team!

But back to the topic: These guests were conversant in Mandarin, spoke little English and some broken Malay. Both were businessmen, supplying aluminium frames for domestic and commercial applications. I was referred to these guests from my colleague in Johor Bahru.

First leverage point:

I do not speak Mandarin other than: Wo ai' nee (I love you!). Therefore I requested the Chapter Chairperson to assist me to invite. And he completed the job within the hour of my request. This is efficient team work.

Second leverage point:

I requested certain members who spoke the language to host our guests.

During the sit-down part of the meeting, the Chairperson used his discretion to invite these guests to introduce themselves in Mandarin, and provided translation to all other members present.

Now, as the meeting progressed, I made a decision: am I going to be efficient or am I going to be effective?

Effective!

I sent a note to the Chairperson to request him to please express in the Mandarin language, the part in the meeting where we promote membership and invite guests to take up a membership in the group.

Because it would be more effective this way.

Because if we had merely followed the scripted Agenda, we could risk these two guests feeling left out, and in the end, the promotion of the membership would be that much harder.

Hence, this meeting was conducted in 2 languages: both English and Mandarin.

From now on, all chairpersons of the meeting will have the discretion to decide which language to use, as long as we are effective. Being effective is better than being efficient. And in networking, it applies as well.

Well done to the chairperson for responding to the situation so well, albeit on such short notice. And yes, our guest, signed a membership application and is keen to be a member to give and receive referrals.

Well done to all! And yes to being effective!