Four Tips for a Successful Meeting
by Michelle Baker
|
 |
Use an Agenda:People like to know what will be discussed at the meeting, and how long it will take. Create and publish an agenda prior to the meeting so everyone can be prepared! During the meeting, the agenda will also help keep you on track and end on time. Using an agenda well gives you an unexpected bonus: people will appreciate that you respect their time and input, and you should be able to grow your attendance!
Actively Listen…: Leading a meeting is not about talking the most. Make sure to engage your attendees- make eye contact, offer time for questions and sharing of opinions, invite new ideas and opinions, appreciate input. Open discussions allow for amazing opportunities!
…and Welcome Conflict: When someone shares a new and opposite opinion, they are opening up a discussion that can bring about a whole new way of doing things. Don’t be afraid! As long as everyone remains respectful, let this discussion happen. People want to be heard, they want to feel that their opinions and ideas are welcome at the table. Your job, as the leader, is to make a place for this discussion. Make the time, and then take a vote if necessary.
Turn Issues into Action: Every issue needs an owner and a schedule. For example, if your team decides to look into a new fundraising idea, someone needs to be responsible for doing the research. That person (or committee: should be officially tasked with the work AND a date for reporting back to the group.
Actively Listen…: Leading a meeting is not about talking the most. Make sure to engage your attendees- make eye contact, offer time for questions and sharing of opinions, invite new ideas and opinions, appreciate input. Open discussions allow for amazing opportunities!
…and Welcome Conflict: When someone shares a new and opposite opinion, they are opening up a discussion that can bring about a whole new way of doing things. Don’t be afraid! As long as everyone remains respectful, let this discussion happen. People want to be heard, they want to feel that their opinions and ideas are welcome at the table. Your job, as the leader, is to make a place for this discussion. Make the time, and then take a vote if necessary.
Turn Issues into Action: Every issue needs an owner and a schedule. For example, if your team decides to look into a new fundraising idea, someone needs to be responsible for doing the research. That person (or committee: should be officially tasked with the work AND a date for reporting back to the group.
