Meetings are an effective means of communication: sharing ideas, resolving problems, and updating team members on projects. The effectiveness of the meeting, however, varies greatly depending on how much thought and control and given. Most individuals do not look forward to meeting because they perceive the meetings as boring or a waste of time.

An effective meeting facilitator is one that is able to utilize meetings in an informative and motivational way by conducting a well-run meeting. Good meetings are those that have specific agendas, are perceived as worthwhile and are enjoyable to attend.

Course Content

This module will review tools and ideas for managing effective meetings:

• Planning the Meeting
• Setting and Sticking to the Agenda
• Reading and Responding to Group Dynamics
• Parking unrelated topics
• Handling Questions, Negative Reactions, and Distractions
• Making Effective Group Decisions
• Concluding the Meeting
• Setting an Action Plan for Getting Projects and Tasks Accomplished

Audience:

All employees could benefit from this module, both those that attend meetings and those that facilitate meetings. The major objective is to learn techniques for planning and conducting meetings to ensure that meetings are a productive use of time and effort.

Timing:

This module can be presented with a minimum of two hours.

Exercises:

• Self Assessment: Meeting Management
• Brainstorm: Reasons to have a meeting
• Case Studies: Common meeting challenges
• Sample meeting agenda
• Reaching consensus in difficult situations
• Meeting checklist
• Group discussions on tips and techniques
• Summary and action items