With the beginning of the fall season right around the corner it’s important to get everyone on the same page. The tendency is to plan a slew of meetings, which isn’t the most attractive idea.
Courtesy of Derek Bridges/Creative Commons License
Meetings can be boring, long, pointless and a waste of time. But, what if they didn’t have to be? Before you start getting all of your leaders together to go through a list of to-do’s answer the following questions:
Sometimes all you need is an email, text or post something on your ministry’s Facebook page. Look at what needs to be said and determine whether if people will have a lot of questions.
If you feel like a dialogue will evolve from what is being communicated you might need a meeting. If not then just get word out there and follow up to make sure people got the message.
It feels safe to invite everyone to every meeting, but that can be a waste of time. Depending on the subject pick people who you feel like need to be a part of the conversation.
When the meeting ends discuss how to cascade and communicate the rest of the information to the group. When you have the right people at the table you can guarantee yourself a fruitful conversation.
Or, what’s the purpose of meeting? If you don’t have purpose then you should reconsider holding the meeting. On top of a purpose you need goals. Determine what will look different after everyone meets.
Meeting for meetings sake is never good unless you just want to build community. In that case plan something social and make sure it’s worth people’s time.
Meetings are important, but they ask a lot of others. They are giving up time to listen to you and if you waste it you break the trust. Before you plan the next meeting know the why, who and what. It’ll be worth it.
[reminder] What other questions should we be asking before planning a meeting? [/reminder]