Aug 9th 10 Posted by Beatrice Briggs in Public Speaking

What’s The Benefit Of That Meeting? Five Techniques To Leading Meetings That Matter

The blowhards talk on and on and zip truly gets accomplished. Does this refer to your meetings? Watch out!

You can get some training and turn into an incredible Professional Facilitator for your own meetings, but at the same time, here are some tips to help your group be more vibrant, creative and fruitful.

5 Strategies To Turn A Meeting From Boring To Dynamic

1. Let People Know They Are Needed And Welcome

Will everyone in the room know each other’s name and job? Does every person know why he or she is present? With a sense of purpose and an understanding of expectations the meeting contribution will improve. Also, when possible let people depart after their contribution is completed! (They will love you for this!)

2. The Meetings Objective And Process Need to be Clear

Be certain you know the point of the meeting and communicate that objective to everyone involved. Is the meeting for feedback, ideas, evaluation, recommendations? Does the meeting need to result in a decision? Keep in mind that a memo is great for giving out information – if that is all you plan to accomplish!

3. Create An Agenda And Remain Focused

Be clear about the agenda items for the meeting in advance. Be realistic about the time it takes to discuss and decide on key issues. Don’t put all the “heavy” issues at the end and don’t rush through important conversations. No “chasing rabbits” and getting off-topic; table incidental issues for another time.

4. Designate Someone Note Taker

Keeping a written record of meetings helps prevent each meeting being an instant replay of the one before and provides important documentation for those unable to be present. Keep the minutes short and to-the-point: who was there, what was discussed, decisions made and next steps. Include a summary of the end-of-meeting evaluation. (You DO include an evaluation in the agenda, right? The often-neglected evaluation step can lead to critical insights about your group’s dynamics.) Circulate the meeting notes within 24 hours.

5. Before Closing: Decision and Commitments Review

Don’t assume that everyone is on board without confirming that everyone is on board. Restate and clarify all commitments of time, money and other resources. If there is any dispute later on, see #4 for documentation.

Follow these guidelines (and learn more – see information about our training below) and you can lead meetings that harness the energy of your group, organization, business or tribe and move you to new levels of understanding and commitment.

Leading Effective Meetings is a revolutionary 3-day certificate program in Professional Meeting Facilitation. The workshop is led by Beatrice Briggs, director of the International Institute for Facilitation and change. (Workshop requires no previous facilitation experience)

Beatrice Briggs heads the Leading Effective Meetings workshop in association with The Organized Artist Company – dedicated to helping creative people overcome procrastination.

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