Meeting Management Training

Making Meetings Work: How to Plan, Conduct, and Manage Group Discussions

Program Overview

Meetings come in all shapes and sizes, from the convention to a quick huddle in an office hallway. From the informal staff meeting to the board presentation, this program focuses on managing workplace meetings of varying shapes and sizes.

Program Objectives

At this program's conclusion, participants should be able to:

• Understand the value of meetings as a management tool.
• Recognize the critical planning step that makes meeting time more effective.
• Identify process tools that can help create an open and safe forum for discussion.
• Develop and practice techniques for handling counterproductive behavior.

The following outline highlights some of the course's key learning points. As part of your training program, we will modify content as needed to meet your business objectives. Upon request, we will provide you with a copy of the participant materials prior to the session(s).

Course Outline

Preparing for Flight: The Basics for Effective Meetings

To begin, participants will receive a checklist that will give them a framework for planning an effective meeting. They will also discuss types of meetings, who should attend meetings, and alternatives to hold a meeting.

Clear Skies Versus Rough Winds: The Best and the Worst of Meetings

Participants will work in small groups to identify the characteristics of well-run meetings and poorly run meetings. During this segment, participants will also explore the keys to productive meetings through large group discussion and a case study.

The Flight Plan: Setting the Stage for Success

Participants will receive planning guidelines, including tips on determining the time and attendees. They will also discuss the importance of agendas. Finally, this group will look at some things to consider when choosing the location and physical setup for the meeting.

Sit Back, Relax, and Enjoy the Ride: Process and Content

This session portion of the program explores the differences between process and content. Participants will practice several tools, including DeBono's thinking hats, rules of work, and facilitation skills.

Unruly Passengers: How to Control a Meeting

This final segment discusses the importance of group dynamics and how to manage tough situations and difficult attendees.

At the program's conclusion, participants will have an understanding of what a productive meeting is and how to organize and run one.