My Top Ten Tips for holding successful team meetings
1 Have a clear agenda with identified objectives. Always id.the action plan!
2 Have a strong chairperson with excellent communication skills!
3 Try to keep them varied and enjoyable. Have a short `fun item` at every meeting
4 Keep it focused, avoid digression and waffle, yet encourage participation from everyone (I know this is difficult!)
5 Pay attention to the seating arrangements as this can make or break the session
6 Handle disruptions and /or negativity in a firm and friendly manner
7 Be innovative with how you get them to start on time!
Always start with short social/refreshments so they actually don’t want to miss that bit. Try starting your meetings at strange times. Instead of holding them at 2pm or 3.30pm tell the team that they are starting at 2.04pm, or 3.32pm (intrigue might just get them there!)
8 Try to make everyone person feel good about attending so that they arrive at the next meeting in a good mood! Remember that meetings are a great opportunity to boost morale and motivation. They should leave the meetings room at least as well motivated as when they walked in if not more! No matter how negative and irritating they may have been during the meeting, they are often giving their free time!
9 Have quality refreshments. Chocolate hobnobs go a long way
10 Plan and prepare the meeting right down to the last detail to make sure that you are maximising the time spent
Let’s squeeze in another one………..HOLD YOUR MEETING `OFF-SITE` NOW AND THEN!