BUSINESS MEETINGS: deliberate assembly for a specific purpose

I am told of a business meeting of several people in a room full of smoke where all you could see was their feet under the table. Then, out of this thick, smoke filled room, a voice booms; then it is agreed. We will open a window....

THE BUSINESS MEETING

Thus begins the practice of putting many people in a room and trying to have something meaningful come out of it. Trying to get everyone to man an oar so we can all row in the same direction is not a new concept. The doing of it remains constant and requires maintenance

BEING ON TIME

Just having people show up on time can be a problem until we unite. You can spell out without a doubt when the meeting will begin only to have it challenged by someone. I have been in meetings where they lock the door and only let you in after you have knocked more than once. Then, every eye in the room is on you as you take your seat and the lesson to be learned is don't be known for the wrong reasons. Very effective use of making a creative point.

A POINT AND A PURPOSE

Meetings should have an agenda and a time frame into which this is delivered. Rules as to how we proceed and when should be spelled out. Arguing should be discouraged unless it is to fine tune a belief or make it better. Never attack the person, but comment on concept instead. Also, comments without structure only invite more of the same.

MR OR MS CHAIRPERSON

The chair has to be respected and is also responsible for the flow. The tone is set by the person in charge. If they drink, you drink. If they much on some nuts, go at it. If they joke or relax, then be at ease and if they don't do any of those things, perhaps you should follow suit.

DON'T GET TOO SERIOUS

I read where a wealthy business man carried a small briefcase into every meeting and when things got to hot and heavy, he opened it and out came a miniature train on an oval track that made sounds and whistles. He then put on this little engineers cap and people couldn't help but laugh. It broke the seriousness of the meetings down so that things could resume or move forward...

WHAT REALLY RUNS THE SHOW

The most important thing I could take into a meeting and want to leave with as well is morale. You want to validate people and have them commit willingly to your agenda and for that; leaders must lead and listen. Then they must nurture, guide, train, counsel, and mentor their group into one unit...

IN THE END

Successful meetings create strong legs upon which a business can get up and walk around with. When you see a team at work, these individuals acting as one make the business plan come to life...Come and let us meet together