How to Lead a Meeting

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Meetings can be SO boring (and sometimes a waste of time). We’ve all been in them, and we don’t want to be in another one.

There are some correct ways to lead a meeting, and there are some wrong ways. The right ways motivate others to participate and lead them to want to be part of your meetings. The wrong ways will stifle your goals and productivity.

One of the most important things that a leader must do is to watch the clock. Let them know how long the meeting will be (no longer than an hour if you want them engaged) and honor your word. There will be times when a longer meeting is needed, but the leader must determine how much time that will be and stick to it.

Recognize that meetings do not simply need to be opportunities for the leader to pour out whatever is in their mind. Motivate your members to be engaged. If they have to sit and listen for an extended time, they will get bored; it is simply human nature. Instead, plan some time for each person to say something, and let them know that you plan to ask them to inject their thoughts. You are letting them know how much you value them. But also keep to the schedule, so everyone knows that you value their time.

Instead of just giving instructional points, also give action items. Everyone needs to understand what the meeting is about, but they also need to understand what they need to do in response to the information given.

After each meeting, email the notes (or the minutes) of the meeting. Assign someone to be the scribe or note-taker, so full notes will be taken and someone will be prepared to take them.

Meetings bring the possibility of raised emotions, arguments, and heated discussions. The leader needs to recognize the value of different opinions, but he/she also must make sure that the meeting remains productive – so everyone must remain civil, and no one needs to attack a person. Be ready to step in and take over if things get too heated

Don’t dread meetings. Make the most of them because they can transform your business.

Check out the following resource for more tips. Click the picture to find out more…