Effective meetings – Part 2

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This is the second blog in a series of three in which we look at how meetings can be more productive.  There are simple ways in which you can improve your skills.

Rate yourself as a meeting leader

Instructions:  Check ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to each of the following questions based on how you act (or would act) as a meeting leader.  Be honest.

_____      _____      1.  Do I have clear objectives for the meeting?

_____      _____      2.  Am I selective about the invited participants?

_____      _____      3.  Do I prepare an agenda and distribute it in advance of the meeting?

_____      _____      4.  Do I arrive early enough to check the arrangements?

_____      _____      5.  Do I start the meeting promptly regardless of who is present?

_____      _____      6.  Do I follow the agenda?

_____      _____      7.  Do I manage time and conclude the meeting as scheduled?

_____      _____      8.  Do I elicit everyone’s participation?

_____      _____      9.  Do I help in the resolution of conflict?

_____      _____      10.  Do I maintain proper control of the discussion?

_____      _____      11.  Do I summarise accomplishments at the end of the meeting and clarify

                                       any action to be taken?

_____      _____      12.  Do I prepare and distribute a memorandum of discussion?

_____      _____      13.  Do I request evaluative feedback from participants?

_____      _____      14.  Do I take agreed upon action?

_____      _____      15.  Do I follow up on action to be taken by others?

The above questions were adapted from ‘Effective Meeting Skills’ – Marion E. Hayes, a book I read many years ago.  I use a similar approach and have continuously improved on this.

So, now that you have answered the questions, what are you going to do to enhance your performance?  If you’d like more information on training in this area, you are welcome to email me – brenda@strategy-leadership.com