“Conducting Effective Committee Meetings” A Presentation on behalf of the: Centre for Organizational Governance in Agriculture (COGA) November 24, 2016 by John F. Noonan, PRP, CPA, CGA Professional Registered Parliamentarian
Three Questions 1. It was a GOOD meeting because….. 2. It was a BAD meeting because …… 3. A GOOD MEETING will possess the following characteristics
Ideal Meeting Well planned Defined purpose Adheres strictly prepared agenda Proceeds crisply through each item on the agenda
Objectives Preparing for Success Meeting Leadership Be a Good Participant Meeting Close
Some Rules 1. The Rule of the Clock 2. Justice and Courtesy 3. One thing at a time
How to Effectively Lead a Group Discussion Provide Focus Stimulate Discussion Maintain Focus (process) Close Discussion
Provide Focus Set Stage Objectives Alternatives Process Time
Your Objective! IS Not to control the people in your meeting but rather, THE PROCESS
Stimulate Discussion Open, non-threatening Go to the group Probe Intervene
Maintain Focus Hold off new topics Stop competition Control rambling Parking Board Stop competition Control rambling Make notes to get back
Good Meetings “Best in People” The best Ideas The Best decisions The best follow up
A Good Participant “Will make a difference” Support the group Get Involved Be Creative Share your thoughts Take notes Come prepared Read the Background Conduct appropriate Research Look for the Good
Critical Incidents in Group Discussion The Dominant Speaker Silent Participant Self Centered Participant Competitive Participant The Socializer Conflict between two ideas/people
Bring the Meeting to a Close Formal close – not just unravel “By your entrances and exits they shall know ye.”
Close Discussion End on time (upbeat) Signal Decision/action plan/tasks Conclude Usefulness of discussions Steps to follow Ideas of the leader
Summary On time Agenda The Rules The Evaluation
Your Turn Questions Comments Concerns
Law of Triviality “The time spent on any item of the agenda will be in inverse proportion to the sum involved” Parkinson’s Law
The Essential Dozen …. Please take a few minutes to review the material with your handout. Check off one of the three areas at the bottom.
The 6 Principles Facilitate discussion Group Expression Justice and Courtesy One thing at a time Fair Hearing Maintain Order
Important ! Thank the Group
Minutes Collaborative Effort Brief Reflect what Happened Distribute ASAP