MEETING LEADERSHIP

Meeting Leadership -- Using appropriate interpersonal styles and methods to guide a meeting toward its objectives; modifying behavior according to tasks involved and individuals present; keeping meetings on course; developing teamwork and cooperation.

The key to successful meetings is in how they are conducted. The effective meeting leader uses skills to enhance those factors that improve productivity (creating more and better ideas, increasing team spirit and motivation) while reducing those that interfere (hidden agendas, destructive alliances). Successful meetings get the job done and enable people to work together constructively. Participants leave meetings willing to work with each other instead of feeling "sandbagged," "blind-sided," angry, or "run-over" -- feelings often expressed when the supervisor/leader mishandles relationships in a meeting.

Key Behaviors:

• Develops agenda which includes the concerns and needs of others.

• Distributes agendas and relevant information in advance or at the beginning of the meeting.

• Selects appropriate type of meeting to accomplish task.

• Invites appropriate people to participate.

• Opens meeting by clearly explaining purpose and importance.

• Allows each member same chance to speak.

• Asks for suggestions and more information.

• Recognizes each member's suggestions and ideas.

• Deals with difficult relationships well.

• Makes suggestions on how to keep the meeting focused on objectives.

• Closes with summary and ensures that necessary follow-up dates are set.

• Distributes minutes to each participant.

• Uses smaller groups to discuss more difficult issues.

Key Words -- facilitates, informs, coordinates

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