Meaningful Meetings
Claude Oppenheim, Ph.D., President
A school principal once opened a staff meeting by distributing the minutes rather than the agenda. When asked why he did this, he explained that as he knew what was going to be decided, there was no need to waste paper and time by distributing an agenda!
At least the principal was honest. He had no intention of consulting with his staff, there was no interest in getting input, the staff was not being invited to contribute agenda items, or to participate in any way other than to receive information.
It was a perfect example of a meeting that should never have been held. Productive meetings are to discuss issues of general importance, to collaborate, to collectively forge solutions, and to offer advice to colleagues and leaders. Matters already decided are so much more efficiently communicated by email or memo.
Perhaps worse than meetings that only announce decisions are those than pretend to ask for input about a matter that is already decided. Not only does that waste time, but it causes great frustration and costs leaders credibility and respect.
Courageous leaders might occasionally ask participants in a meeting to anonymously rate its usefulness, efficiency and atmosphere: Was everyone encouraged to contribute ideas?; was it “safe” to contribute ideas that might be different from those of the leadership?; did participants treat each other with respect?
Alternatively, an outside consultant could be asked to sit in on some meetings, and provide structured feedback on their effectiveness, and suggestions for improvements in how meetings are conducted.
Oppenheim Education and Management Consulting offers consulting and training on governance, leadership, administration, and program and performance evaluation. |