Better Manager 7th prelims:Better Manager 7th edition

To make meetings work there are three things that must happen:

■ They should be set up properly.
■ There should be a good chairperson.
■ The members should be able to participate effectively.

DOS AND DON’TS OF MEETINGS

How to Run and Participate in Effective Meetings 217

DO
Use a meeting if the information
or the judgement is too great for
one person.

Set up committees only when it is
essential to assemble people with
different viewpoints in one place
at one time.

Appoint a chairperson who is
going to be able to control the
meeting and get the best out of it.

Put people with different
backgrounds who can contribute
ideas on the committee.

Tell committees what they are to
do and what their authority is.

Be explicit about when you want
the meeting to report back.

Use meetings where they work
best – reviewing or developing
policies, coordinating decisions,
ensuring that all concerned with a
programme are consulted and
kept informed.

Wind up committees as soon as
they have served their purpose.

DON’T

Use a meeting if one person can

do the job better.

Set up a committee if you want

sharp, clear responsibility.

Use a committee to administrate

anything.

Use a meeting or committee if

you need speedy action.

Appoint a bigger committee than

you need – over 10 people can

become unwieldy.

Hold unnecessary meetings – it

may be good to meet regularly on

the first Friday of every month

but it may be even better to meet

only when you have something to

discuss.