Managing Meetings

Course Description

With the rapidity of change in modern business, we have become increasingly sensitive to the importance of time. Losing time in unproductive meetings, therefore, can be very frustrating. To overcome this frustration, we need to ensure that meetings achieve clear objectives in the shortest amount of time possible.

The objective of this course is to show participants how to run a meeting effectively by preparing the meeting, running it on schedule and following up on the meeting when it is over. Although the course views meetings from the perspective of the chairperson, it is also valuable for people who assume other roles in meetings (e.g., secretary, other meeting participants). Given the rise of telephone and video conferencing, the course also looks at the impact of these media on meetings.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, delegates will be able to

• prepare a meeting effectively

• plan, compile and manage a precise agenda

• deal with troublesome meeting participants and “hidden agendas”

• use the skills and expertise of meeting participants to further the objectives of the meeting

• manage meetings to ensure that they achieve their objectives in the time allotted

• ensure that meetings end on time

• write concise minutes

• manage the follow-up process for actions agreed during a meeting

Target Audience

Anyone who organises, chairs or participates in meetings.

Duration

1 day for up to 12 participants