How to Set Up a Business Meeting
Multiple meetings occur each second of every day. And it’s easy to suspect that many of them prove to be ineffective. Why is that?
For an answer, consider the purpose of meetings. I’d suggest that meetings exist to nudge ahead progress, even if it’s only a slight move. When the meeting attendees exit, the subject of the meeting has to have changed in some way (hopefully for the better). You need structure to accomplish that. Here are five steps that will help you hold effective meetings-sessions that move subjects forward.
1. Be a reporter. Make sure you let your attendees know the who, what, why, when and where of the meeting. It prefaces the agenda. It might look like this:
- Who: Members of the Retired Executive Group (name the actual names)
- What: Decide on a formal group name
- Why: To establish a formal group structure
- When: February 17, 2009, from 3 to 4pm
- Where: Starbucks at 2111 S. Glen Street in Harwood Heights
- A reporter informs readers. That’s what has been done here.
- What happens at the meeting? That’s what’s on the agenda.
2. Set an agenda. This means clearly listing the objective of the meeting and supporting points using specifics. For example, here’s an agenda for a meeting I ran for a business group I’m involved with:
-Objective is to select a name for the group
-Start a 10-minute brainstorming session
-Record results
-Cull the names down to five
-Check domain availability
-Debate those names where a domain is available
-Select a final name
This agenda not only provided a clear objective-to walk away from that meeting with a name-it provided the steps the attendees would take to do it. If we followed the agenda, we would make our goal. And we would have moved our subject forward.
3. Send out the agenda (via email or snail mail) 5 to 7 days ahead of time. You want your attendees to be aware, to prepare and to be there.
It doesn’t always happen, of course. I find that if you have ten attendees, ten will be aware of some of the agenda (usually the five w’s), two will prepare, and seven will be there. That’s OK. You can only control your actions.
Also, call all of the attendees two days prior to remind them of the meeting.
4. Have copies of the agenda at the meeting. Most of the attendees will not bring the agenda with them, so have copies ready. Distribute and read through it when everyone shows up. Now you can begin the session with everyone on a level field.
5. Start and finish on time. If inclement weather or other common factors exist, you can delay the meeting. Otherwise, I suggest starting right at the time you noted on the agenda. If someone comes in late, that’s OK. Acknowledge him, give him an agenda and keep going. He’ll catch up on his own.
One of the most frustrating things I’ve experienced in meetings is when a 1-hour session turns into 90 minutes without it being mentioned by the facilitator. Believe me; you’ll be given silent but heartfelt kudos when you end the meeting ahead of or on time or inform the attendees that it may go over time.
And what’s better than not only advancing your subject but doing it with an aura of goodwill?
There are several steps you can take to avoid your meetings being . It's a good idea to keep in mind that the reason for having the meeting is to make some with the issue(s) you have.
Before the meeting, make sure everyone is aware of who, what, why, when and where of the meeting. Amongst other things, this will help to formalise the .
Also, of course, an agenda needs to be drawn up containing the objectives and the steps needed to achieve them. Attendees should receive this document several days the meeting.
A good way to start the meeting, when everyone is present, is to the agenda.
Though it’s often the case that some attendees will arrive late, it’s still preferable to kick off the meeting .
Finally, remember that everyone will be much happier if you are able to move forward on within the allotted time frame.