How to Plan for an Effective Meeting
- Make the most of getting together
Meetings that justify their time and expense are rare. An effective meeting that people value needs to be planned. The last thing people want is another boring meeting. Planning to
run a meeting
soon? Follow these guidelines to ensure your meeting is purposeful and productive. First, ask yourself two questions: Do you really need it? People are busy. Do they really need to meet in person? Could the information be shared remotely instead? Make sure the meeting matters. How should you meet? Meeting face to face is easy to set up if you’re all in close proximity. It costs more time and money if you’re not. Is a group meeting online viable? Time spent to decide this now will save a lot more time later. Decided? Okay, now it's time to plan... - Outcome over aim. What outcome do you want? Planning an effective meeting means producing and sharing an agenda that has specific outcomes as opposed to general aims. People want to leave clearer, not confused.
- Invite only those who need to be there. Who doesn’t need to be there? How could you tactfully explain that their presence is not required? You’re wasting everyones time if you don’t.
- Understand the agenda. Make sure it’s crystal clear to everybody. Are you expecting someone to share information? Make sure they know what, why and when.
- Tell the time. People need to know when the meeting starts. They like to know when it will end. Establish limits to force an increase in productivity. One helpful meeting tool to use is a meeting timer.
- Give people enough notice. Depending on the size and scale of the meeting, make sure those who need to be there have enough time to digest the agenda. They can then plan and prepare.
- Choose the venue. People work best when they’re alert, so appeal to their senses. Choose somewhere cool, clear, light, quiet and fresh smelling.
- Check the resources. Have you got all the meeting tools you want? These include everything from speakers to sandwiches. Will a
meeting ice breaker
be used? Who will take the minutes? Create a meeting planning checklist to ensure you have everything and everyone you need.
- Confirm. The venue, delegates, visiting speakers and anybody else you expect to be there.
- Back up. Expect the best, prepare for the worst. Have a Plan B ready. Data projectors and coffee machines are fickle beasts!
- Follow up. Regular meetings? Get feedback at the end to help you plan an even more effective meeting next time. Prepare a simple feedback sheet for the end.
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