Meeting Tools

Prelude

Establish meeting norms together to guide the process
Examples:
Remain present and accountable
Evaluate rather than judge
Respect others’ opinions, styles and rhythms
Keep it situational not personal
Respect silence
Speak your Truth

The Meeting

Decision means cutting off alternatives…(leadership is) the ability to achieve purpose. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Create realistic agenda
Timeline: day ahead; ask for staff input to foster ownership: Lead time allows staff to consider agenda items, come prepared, and sets the expectation for thoughtful meetings. Timely items can still be added at meeting.
Set tone
Place quote, poem or art at top of agenda to reinforce mission, values, vision
Designate allotted time for each agenda item and be willing to adjust to accomodate forward motion
Note who’s responsible for each item

Lead the meeting

Begin with silence to allow staff to be fully present and bring their attention to the space.
Transition out of silence
Examples
Thought for the day, poem or music: these can be offered by staff on rotating basis
One Minute Moment: each staff member offers (within one minute) an
achievement/accomplishment/challenge
Tackle business (agenda items)
Deadlines force decisions:

Close the meeting

Closing ritual examples
One new thing each staff member will try
One thing each is looking forward to
Silence, poem or song

Epilogue

Revisit norms to see how well you were true to them.

Document the meeting
Rotate note-taking responsibility
Use a grid to make notes easier to take and read
See example under Resources

Next Post: Meeting Resources