Sunday, June 10, 2007

Meet for success

We've all been to meetings where the discussion goes in circles, where there's no apparent agenda, or where things just drag on and on and on. With so many new people getting involved in the Party, it's a great time to consider how to keep new volunteers excited about our work.

My number one rule is: NO BORING, POINTLESS MEETINGS!

If we as Party leaders expect success, we have to respect everyone who's getting involved in our cause. That means respecting their time by running efficient meetings. Here are a few tips -- let's hear yours.

1. Always have a written agenda and enough copies for everyone. Stick firmly to the topics on the agenda; any new business can be discussed if there is time, or can be tabled until the next meeting.

2. Have a firm start time and end time for the meeting. Start on time, not ten minutes after the start time. Unless there's an emergency, end when you say you will. Stay afterwards to socialize if you care to, but end the business meeting on time.

3. As the leader, arrive early to open up and set up the space. Delegate food or drinks to someone and make sure the refreshments are ready before the start time.

4. At the end of the meeting, review who has agreed to do what. Remind everyone what commitments they have made and give everyone a time frame to complete their tasks. Set a date and time for the next meeting.

These guidelines may seem simplistic, but disrespecting someone's time is a sure way to lose volunteers.

What meeting guidelines am I forgetting?

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