DURING THE MEETING 20%

CHAPTER 5: NAVIGATE THE CURRENTS AND UNDERCURRENTS

There are three key parts to any meeting, no matter what its length, purpose or style:

Get started

  • Arrive in time
  • Welcome informally
  • Introduce everyone formally
  • Remind and renegotiate

Make judgements about time and timing

  • Work through the agenda together
  • Create genuine safety
  • Navigate the content
  • Balance task and group
  • Hold the tensions
  • Decide on action: record decisions

Finish well

  • Plan for action and follow through
  • Leave time for loose ends
  • Reflect, appreciate and say goodbye
  • Be alert to postscripts

A story: When currents and undercurrents are the main agenda
A story: The high-tech solution

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“There’s so much wisdom and common sense in this book, and reading it I had many “aha!” moments. I found that the reasons my away days and team development sessions usually work well is because I plan them really carefully and creativity is at the heart of the process; but I’m not so hot at forward planning or follow up for regular meetings. But this book is about more than meetings. Aimed at people working in values-driven organisations, its essential message is that if we work creatively, compassionately, respectfully and with awareness and integrity, we can change the world.”
Annie McDowall Chief Executive SHARE Community