Introduction
Before you begin to prepare for any meeting, ask yourself this fundamental question:
‘Is a physical meeting the most effective method for achieving the desired outcomes?’
If the answer is ‘No’ then do not organise a physical meeting – consider your alternatives.
If the answer is ‘Yes’ then the foundation for a Brilliant Meeting begins with preparation.
Time spent in meetings will be reduced through effective preparation.
The skills required to organise a Brilliant Meeting are quite different to those needed for leading one. If you have ‘called’ the meeting, the probability is that you now have the combined responsibilities of leader and organiser. Even if the latter is with assistance from a secretary or PA, there is a real danger that, if essential preparation is not adequately completed, the result will be a ‘poor meeting’ for all involved.
Meetings are vital to organisations and, in order to facilitate participants working together as a group, much work will be required to ensure that the ‘Why, Who, When, Where, What’ for the meeting have all been completed prior to the event, whatever the subject matter, meeting type or purpose.
So whether it is a project meeting, group meeting or a brainstorming session, this section contains suggestions to assist with preparation and help transform your next meeting into a Brilliant Meeting!
