Quote from a recent meeting: "We are going to continue having these meetings, everyday, until I find out why no work is getting done".

Why do meetings have such a bad reputation? Lack of clear objectives What’s the point? Take too much time Start late, finish later Irrelevant discussion Stick to the point! No visible outcomes What’s changed? Hidden agendas Corporate politics!

Meeting tips Don’t have a meeting! (unless absolutely necessary). Set clear objectives for the meeting Create an agenda to include: topics for discussion presenter or discussion leader for each topic time allotment for each topic Circulate meeting information before the meeting: meeting objectives meeting agenda location/date/time background information assigned items for preparation

Meeting tips Start precisely on time (or you punish the punctual…) Meeting participants must: arrive on time be well-prepared be concise and to the point participate in a constructive manner Don’t leave a discussion point without defining relevant action points Meeting notes (minutes) must be recorded Assigned action items must be documented (and followed-up!)

Exercise Objective Hold a meeting to plan a trip to Alton Towers Agree and type up an agenda for the meeting (What needs to be discussed? Be sure to include an Any Other Business category) Appoint a chair & a secretary Hold the meeting Chair to run the meeting Secretary to take notes Others to contribute Produce & circulate minutes from the meeting Tutor Notes Split group into two “meetings” Have each group present their agenda & minutes to the whole group after the meeting Invite constructive criticism of what is presented.