Hundred Tips for a Better Management (Aga Khan Foundation, 1993, 70 pages): Running effective meetings: 13. How to chair a meeting

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Hundred Tips for a Better Management (Aga Khan Foundation, 1993, 70 pages)

Running effective meetings

		(introductory text...)
		9. Before you call a meeting, decide if you should have one at all
		10. If you must have a meeting, plan how to get the most out of it
		11. Guide your team in having more effective discussions
		12. Start on time; End on time
		13. How to chair a meeting
		14. Don't sit on the results of a good meeting; follow up with a plan of action
		15. Maximise what you can get out of a ''brainstorming'' session

13. How to chair a meeting

[References - 14]

If a meeting isn't run well, it's usually the fault of the chair. If you chair a meeting, you have several jobs:

Start the meeting. Don't wait for someone else to start it.

Set (or summarise) the purpose, agenda and schedule. Check to make sure everyone agrees, make amendments as appropriate.

Gently, but firmly, guide the discussion. Be fair and objective.

Eliminate digressions and gently cut short dialogues that exclude the majority of the participants.

Recognise people who want to speak and take them in turn; don't tolerate people speaking out of turn.

Watch the clock, and make sure that everyone is aware of the timeremind them every 10-15 minutes.

Draw conclusions at the end of each agenda item and watch to make sure that people agree with your conclusions. Amend them if they do not.

Resolve conflict; if a serious dispute arises, table the point and work it out after the meeting.

End the meeting; thank the participants; announce the follow-up plans.