The simplest way is to send a representative in your place. Ask in advance. Tell the meeting chair that you would like to attend but have some work that must be done immediately. In your place, you would like to […]
It may seem simple but the most effective way is to end meetings with a summary of agreed-upon actions, including who is to do what and when. This information should also be recorded in the minutes of the meeting. Since […]
The group’s chair or leader has to have the facilitating skills to allow members to tear apart and put back together each and every idea on the flipchart. With each idea, the group needs to try to achieve consensus. When […]
Groupthink is a process of rationalization that sets in when members of a group begin to think alike. It can be fostered by managers who discourage dissent, or it can develop under leaders who offer an employee’s idea so much […]
There are numerous ways to stimulate creativity including: brainstorming, brainwriting, and using analogies or metaphors. Before you begin these techniques, try restating the problem. For instance, complaints have been received due to delays in shipments from the warehouse. We could […]
There is no perfect approach to decision making. However, you can improve the final decision by Ensuring all facts have been identified. Clearly defining problems or issues. Inviting outside viewpoints as well as hearing out member viewpoints. Identifying alternatives so […]
If you have told participants that a meeting will start at a specific time, then proceed accordingly. If you start on time—no matter who is missing—you won’t be reinforcing tardiness. To make that message clearer, close the door of the […]
You want to get participation from all, which means building the confidence of quieter members. You want to draw them out, but you don’t want to make them feel uncomfortable in the process. So you might wait until the person […]
When someone is monopolizing the discussion, you need to step in to draw out contributions from the rest of the group. Give the individual time to have his say, then interrupt and ask for others’ opinions. While you don’t want […]
The secret is twofold: a clearly defined mission and a well-organized agenda. Clarification of the meeting’s purpose at the time you invite members is critical. Attendees need to know why they will be meeting. If the group has a project […]
It may not be your meeting, but as a participant you have specific responsibilities as well. You need to: Get there on time. Sit opposite the leader if possible. Respect the leader. Come prepared. Don’t create subconscious, nonverbal barriers to […]
Besides facilitating group discussions, as a group leader, you are also responsible for: Preparing a written agenda. Make sure each member receives it before the meeting. Bring extra copies to the meeting for those who forget them. Making sure the […]
A strong leader knows that when one of the meeting members makes an inappropriate comment such as, "Howard, you are so naive and this idea of yours is really stupid," he or she needs to immediately exert control over the […]
A meeting is a management tool. Like any tool, it needs to be used when it can be most effective. Meetings are best used in the following situations: You need a new approach to a problem. By bringing together a […]
Successful meetings are brief, focused, and productive. They happen by design, not by inadvertence. When meetings are run efficiently and effectively, they can begin on time, accomplish the goals for which they are being held, and end on time—and maximize […]