Keep on track

Once the meeting has started, there are two key factors to emphasis at this point:

1. Ensure all attendees have a chance to speak
2. Do not digress from the objectives of the meeting

Remember that each attendee is there for a purpose. They all have valuable input to bring to the table that should be acknowledged and recognized. No one person should be allowed to monopolize the meeting. Also, before moving on, ensure that each participant agrees with the topic at hand.

In my next blog I will discuss how participants can productively contribute to the meeting. However, there are a number of ways that a group leader can ensure that each person gets a chance to speak. A combination of a few of the top ten tried, tested and true methods should be implemented at each meeting.

Avoiding digressions during the meeting is obviously important as wasted time is wasted money. There are objectives to be met and that’s where the focus needs to be. However digressions do happen, so it’s important to get the meeting back on track as quickly as possible. One method is through efficient group facilitating from the group leader, who will redirect, with his words, back to the topic being discussed. Another method is to make a “Parking Lot” list. “This is a list of important but divergent issues that should be discussed at a later time” (Guffey, Rhodes, & Rogin, 2011, p. 54).

References:

Guffey, M. E., Rhodes, K., & Rogin, P. (2011). Business communication: process and product (6th Canadian ed.). Toronto, ON: Nelson Education Ltd.