As an experienced manager, I can announce without a doubt that the primary reason for lack of effectiveness in the contemporary business world is that people don’t follow the rules for running a meeting. Thousands meetings are conducted each day and most of the meeting chairmen have not even heard of the rules for running a meeting. Therefore, the following article includes a brief description of the basic rules for running a meeting.

1. Planning – planning is probably the most important of the rules for running a meeting. You must start running the meeting before the meeting is running. Planning includes inviting only the people that can contribute, deciding what should be the results of the meeting and preparing a good meeting agenda. Remember, failing to plan is planning to fail. All the other rules for running a meeting will be useless without a good planning.

2. Introduction – In order to recruit all the people to contribute to the meeting follow one the basic rules for running a meeting. Let each one introduce himself. That way, the roles of all participants will be clear and they will all have basic confidence.

3. Guidelines – most of the people disregard one of the most important of the rules for running a meeting. Share with the meeting participants the type of the meeting. The type according to the rules for running a meeting would be one of the following: Problem solving, decision making or brain storming. The guide lines must also include the time line and the expected outcome of the meeting. Following this rule will put you on top of most of the meeting chairmen who don’t follow the rules for running a meeting.

4. Set the tone – Following the rules for running a meeting is effective only if you can set the tone. Do your best to keep the dialogue move forward. Do not let anyone be more dominate than the others. Engage the participants to speak.

Summarize important issues and make sure all the participants understand the issues. Ask additional and follow up questions like : If I understand what you are saying… Stay focused and remembers the rules for running a meeting during the entire meeting.

5. Finish and follow up. Meetings are not effective without a proper meeting summary. Make sure you avoid more meetings by following the rules for running a meeting and follow up the decisions and outcome of the meeting.

The rules for running a meeting are simple and clear. Read them several times, make sure you understand the rules for running a meeting and start implementing them in each meeting you attend. You will see the consequences in no time. Good luck.

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