Awesome leaders are good to be around. They don’t waste people’s time, they are clear, engaging and purposeful. Oh, and they run their meetings that way, too!
Here’s a checklist to run positive meetings that everyone sees the value in attending and that result in things getting done, with increased accountability.
Prepare thoroughly
• Is a meeting the best way to get the outcomes needed? If no, get creative and use other, more effective means. If yes, schedule the meeting.
• Be able to (and do) state the purpose and goals of the meeting.
• Circulate an agenda in advance of the meeting.
• Invite the people needed to accomplish the goals.
• Did you use pre-meeting discussions to ensure participants were prepared?
Confront the issues
• Lead the group through the issues.
• Take a stand on tough issues.
• Get the group to define and, therefore, own the solution.
• Bring the meeting to the point of decision.
• Ensure that tasks are clearly defined, allocated and deadlines set.
Perform like a leader
• Enter the room mindful of your behaviour and the leadership values you want to project
• Establish and adhere to your and the meeting guidelines (if any).
• Be relaxed when needed; assertive when required; and fair to all participants.
• Encourage others to speak out and reveal their thinking and honour them for doing so.
• Be open-minded to the possibilities when new ideas are expressed.
• Manage the meeting agenda so that you stick to the start and stop times.
Follow-up
• Confirm tasks and deadlines by email.
• Confirm tasks with the individual’s team leader if the individual is outside your reporting chain.
• Distribute minutes of the meeting within 48 hours.
• Acknowledge help and significant contributions by others.
• Identify ways to improve your leadership next time.
