Meetings come in all shapes and sizes, from the convention to a quick huddle in an office hallway. This course will be concerned with small working meetings; with groups that have a job to do requiring the energy, commitment, and talents of those who participate. Members of such a group want to get some kind of result out of their time together: solving problems, brainstorming, or simply sharing information. At its best, such a group knows what it is about, and knows and utilizes the strengths of individual members. This will help you know how to:

• Understand the value of meetings as a management tool
• Recognize the critical planning step that makes meeting time more effective
• Identify process tools that can help create an open and safe forum for discussion
• Develop and practice techniques for handling counterproductive behaviors

Course Content

Lessons

Module One: Getting Started

Module Two: Planning and Preparing (I)

Module Three: Planning and Preparing (II)

Module Four: Setting up the Meeting Space

Module Five: Electronic Options

Module Six: Meeting Roles and Responsibilities

Module Seven: Chairing a Meeting (I)

Module Eight: Chairing a Meeting (II)

Module Nine: Dealing with Disruptions

Module Ten: Taking Minutes

Module Eleven: Making the Most of Your Meeting

Module Twelve: Wrapping Up