What to Ask When You?re Invited to a Meeting

1) Where is the agenda? A meeting without an agenda is like a journey without a map; it will always waste your time. Once you have the agenda, make sure that it consists of more than a list of words because this is almost useless. The agenda for an effective meeting will provide a complete description of how the meeting will proceed.

2) What is the goal? Is the chair seeking an agreement, a solution, or a plan? Knowing the goal gives you head start on participating effectively. Be cautious of meetings that are held just "to talk about something," because this type of meeting seldom accomplishes anything.

3) What is my role? Make sure that your participation adds value to the meeting. Avoid meetings where you have a superficial role, such as to find out what's happening. In that case, ask for the minutes. If you're needed to work on only part of the agenda, ask if you can attend only that part of the meeting.

4) How should I prepare? Make sure that you know about any research, readings, or surveys required to participate. Ask about the expectations for the other participants because this could influence your preparation. Attend only if you can prepare adequately or suggest another time for the meeting.

5) What should I bring? Should you bring a laptop? Will you be asked to give a presentation? Should you bring reports, data, or other information? Make sure that you have enough time to obtain the tools and materials needed for effective participation.

IAF Certified Professional Facilitator and author Steve Kaye helps groups of people hold effective meetings. His innovative workshops have informed and inspired people nationwide. His facilitation produces results that people will support. Sign up for his free newsletter at http://www.stevekaye.com. Call 714-528-1300 or visit his web site for over 100 pages of valuable ideas.

---

Develop Your Managers and Keep Your Staff

Following on from the last edition of The Organised Times... Read More

Biometrics and ?Return On Investment?

At this time of tight budgets, the mantra of business... Read More

Why I always Keep my Promises

Integrity is very important to me, and I try hard... Read More

The Punitive Approach to Marginal Performers

MANAGING A MARGINAL PERFORMER: Often a marginal performer, even after... Read More

Industry Analysis Section of Your business plan

Writing a Business Plan for your next entrepreneurial endeavor is... Read More

Preparing For ISO 9001 2000 Registration

The steps need to be taken to prepare an organization... Read More

Hows Your Company RQ (Reputation Quotient)?

In light of recent corporate scandals, from Enron and Global... Read More

How to Meet Quality Standards with ISO 9001

In today's hectic business environment, it is vital that we... Read More

Prepare A Winning CV

There is every chance that elements of this article may... Read More

To Meet or Not to Meet - What are the Questions?

Meetings can be a total waste of time or a... Read More

7 Strategies for Sustained Innovation

The need for constant reinvention is a given in today's... Read More

Where Else in Your Business Do You Accept a 60% Failure Rate?

I recently surveyed CEOs and Business Leaders of large companies... Read More

Innovation Management ? Emotion, Habit, and Culture can be Hard to Change!

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Uncommon Common Sense ? Know What is the Most Important Thing in Your Business

Over 3 of my meetings with 3 business owners last... Read More

Innovation Management ? the Root of the Problem

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

How to Save Money on Training

1) Use a live instructor. Adults learn best by doing,... Read More

Best Practices Plan: Dissemination of a Great Idea

Good news spreads quickly News of the invention of the... Read More

Assertiveness Helps Accomplish Everything

When trying to get something accomplished, assertive behavior is the... Read More

Another Use for Meetings

Every meeting is a laboratory where you can observe and... Read More

Five Steps to Successful Business Succession

The great majority of family businesses in North America are... Read More

Why You Need a Business Plan

This article was originally called "Do You Need a Business... Read More

Build Rapport Fast! - Eight Easy Steps

Building rapport is all about creating a relationship, in the... Read More

Sharing the Reins: 10 Reasons To Sell Your Company To Your Employees

In 1987 I sold my business, South Mountain Company, to... Read More

Delegation Obstructions

OBSTRUCTIONS: 1. Staff deficiencies. Lack of confidence in employees quite... Read More

How to Hold Effective Staff Meetings

Many people believe that they conduct effective meetings, when all... Read More

Work Priorities: Where Can You Spend Your Time Most Effectively?

Understanding where you can spend time most effectively requires concentration... Read More

Demise of the Lone Ranger Manager: A Lesson in Management Communication Style

When executives see themselves as solely responsible for the overall... Read More

Managing YOUR Expectations

I sit on the board of an organization and at... Read More

Talent Recruitment Challenges of High Technology Companies

As a result of the dot com meltdown and the... Read More

Five Ways to Influence Change in Others

Because of my work as a consultant, trainer and coach... Read More

Delegation for Business Leaders - How Letting Go Works

A leader's role is to focus on those areas of... Read More

Which ITIL Process Should We Implement First?

The following question is usually debated a lot amongst IT... Read More

MANAGING CRISIS; when you?re too good at it

When you are acclaimed for excellence during times of crisis... Read More