COURSE TITLE	CONDUCTING EFFECTIVE MEETINGS: Making Meetings Work
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OVERVIEW
Meetings come in all shapes and sizes, from the convention to a quick huddle in an office hallway. This program will be concerned with small working meetings - with groups that have a job to do requiring the energy, commitment, and talents of those who participate. Members of such a group want to get some kind of result out of their time together; solving problems, setting goals or priorities, or simply defining with each other some mutual needs and fears and hopes. At its best, such a group knows what it is about, and knows and utilizes the strengths of individual members.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The main learning objectives of this workshop are to have participants:
Understand the value of meetings as a management tool Recognize the critical planning steps that make meeting time more effective Know how to ensure the desired outcome is achieved Be able to identify the steps to take to create an open and safe forum for discussion Be able to establish a solid and results-focused meeting process and know how to use process tools Know how to utilize the expertise and experience of participants and maximize participation Understand various meeting roles Develop and practice techniques for handling counterproductive behaviour
COURSE OUTLINE
The Basics for Effective Meetings Types of meetings Information Problem-Solving Brainstorming The Best and Worst of Meetings Characteristics of Effectiveness/Ineffectiveness Preparing For Meetings Laying the groundwork Deciding who should attend Developing an agenda Techniques for Reducing Absenteeism/Late Arrivals Prepartion Checklist Leading a Meeting Initiating Information or Opinion-Seeking & Giving Clarifying Summarizing Consensus Testing The Role of Group Leader Encouraging Expressing Group Feelings Valuing Ideas Harmonizing Gate-Keeping Modifying Evaluating Process and Content The Role of the Facilitator Characteristics of the Role Behaviours Controlling meetings Difficult behaviours Review/Personal Action Plan
METHODOLOGY
Large group discussions Individual work and reflection Small group discussion, exercises and activities Case studies Simulations / Role-plays
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Employees New/Aspiring Team Leaders, Supervisors, Managers Current Team Leaders, Supervisors, Managers
PRE-REQUISITES		Completed pre-assignment
DURATION		1 Day
CLASS SIZE		6 – 20