Establish clear objectives for each meeting from "summary" of The Secrets of Facilitation by Michael Wilkinson
To ensure that a meeting is productive and effective, it is crucial to establish clear objectives for each meeting. These objectives serve as a roadmap for the discussion and help keep participants focused on the desired outcomes. Without clear objectives, meetings can veer off course, leading to wasted time and energy. When setting objectives for a meeting, it is important to be specific and measurable. Vague objectives such as "discuss project updates" or "brainstorm ideas" can lead to confusion and ambiguity. Instead, objectives should clearly state what needs to be accomplished by the end of the meeting, such as "review project timeline and identify potential delays" or "generate three new marketing campaign ideas." In addition to being specific and measurable, objectives should also be realistic and achievable within the time frame of the meeting. Setting overly ambitious objectives can create unnecessary pressure and lead to frustration if they are not met. By setting realistic objectives, participants are more likely to stay engaged and motivated throughout the meeting. Furthermore, objectives should be relevant to the purpose of the meeting. Each objective should directly contribute to the overall goals of the meeting and help move the discussion forward. Irrelevant or tangential objectives can derail the meeting and waste valuable time that could be spent on more important topics. Finally, objectives should be communicated to all participants before the meeting begins. This ensures that everyone is on the same page and understands what is expected of them. By clearly articulating the objectives at the outset, participants can better prepare for the meeting and come ready to contribute to the discussion.- Establishing clear objectives for each meeting is essential for ensuring that the meeting is productive, focused, and successful. By setting specific, measurable, realistic, and relevant objectives, and communicating them to all participants, facilitators can guide the discussion and keep participants on track towards achieving the desired outcomes.
