Meeting for Results - Improve Your Meetings

We all need meetings that are positive and productive, with opportunities to communicate and share information on projects, activities and policies and set goals, agree on improvement strategies and solve problems or disputes. In the case study from the Cutting Edge team, Marcus has an idiosyncratic approach to conducting meetings which usually frustrates the staff. Sam recommends setting meeting goals, and having a specific time frame for each agenda item. The team learn to respond to flagging energy levels, respect meeting rules and respect each other.

Learn that the schedule, purpose and agenda of a meeting should be clear, participants should be prepared and everyone should participate. Meetings should start and end on time, and follow up actions should be clearly stated and agreed. Learn that valuing peoples input and encouraging constructive behavior makes for an improved meeting atmosphere as does summarizing key points and listing actions as you go.

Don't meet without clear goals INSTEAD: Set agenda and control time;
Don't lose group energy INSTEAD: Make it engaging;
Don't cultivate negativity INSTEAD: Manage conflict respectfully;
Don't leave loose ends INSTEAD: Ensure actions and outcomes;