Meaningful Meetings

Handout #1

• Leader
• Prepare agenda.
• Move the meeting along.
• Keep it relevant.
• Provide the wrap-up.
  
  
• Participant
  • Come prepared
  • Pay attention
  • Participate without repeating
  • Keep it brief, relevant, focused
  • Be courteous

Handout #2

Keys to a productive meeting

• Need
  • There should be real business to conduct
  • The key people should be present or send a knowledgeable replacement.
    
    
• Purpose
  • Everyone who attends should understand the meeting's purpose.
  • Everyone who attends should understand their role before they arrive.
    
    
• Agenda
  • An agenda should define the order/priority of discussion/action.
  • Assigned times keep discussion moving.
  • Allow for flexibility.
  • Distribute in advance so every meeting isn't a brainstorming session.
    
    
• Courtesy
  • Come prepared.
  • Allow a variety of opinions and ideas.
  • Give everyone a chance for input.
  • Avoid repetition.
    
    
• Timeliness
  • Begin and end on time.
    
    
• Action
  • Summarize to keep everyone on the same page.
  • Define an action plan.
  • Make sure each person understands the action plan, what's next, his or her role or task.
  • Set the next meeting or recall.