What to Ask When You?re Invited to a Meeting

1) Where is the agenda? A meeting without an agenda is like a journey without a map; it will always waste your time. Once you have the agenda, make sure that it consists of more than a list of words because this is almost useless. The agenda for an effective meeting will provide a complete description of how the meeting will proceed.

2) What is the goal? Is the chair seeking an agreement, a solution, or a plan? Knowing the goal gives you head start on participating effectively. Be cautious of meetings that are held just "to talk about something," because this type of meeting seldom accomplishes anything.

3) What is my role? Make sure that your participation adds value to the meeting. Avoid meetings where you have a superficial role, such as to find out what's happening. In that case, ask for the minutes. If you're needed to work on only part of the agenda, ask if you can attend only that part of the meeting.

4) How should I prepare? Make sure that you know about any research, readings, or surveys required to participate. Ask about the expectations for the other participants because this could influence your preparation. Attend only if you can prepare adequately or suggest another time for the meeting.

5) What should I bring? Should you bring a laptop? Will you be asked to give a presentation? Should you bring reports, data, or other information? Make sure that you have enough time to obtain the tools and materials needed for effective participation.

IAF Certified Professional Facilitator and author Steve Kaye helps groups of people hold effective meetings. His innovative workshops have informed and inspired people nationwide. His facilitation produces results that people will support. Sign up for his free newsletter at http://www.stevekaye.com. Call 714-528-1300 or visit his web site for over 100 pages of valuable ideas.

In The News:


Telecommuting means change in management style
San Francisco Chronicle,  USA - 10 hours ago
And some owners are discovering that allowing employees to telecommute can require a different management style, and some basic trust. ...

AFP

NEW YORK, Sept 06, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Pershing Square ...
MarketWatch - 17 hours ago
September 5, 2008 The Honorable Henry M. Paulson, Jr. Secretary United States Department of the Treasury 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, ...
Video: Obama Calls for Changes in Mortgage Giants AssociatedPress
Takeover seen easing loan crisis Boston Globe
US Govt to take over mortgage giants ABC Online
Forbes - The Associated Pressall 2,442 news articles

Houston Chronicle

MBA programs at Houston universities are attracting more ...
Houston Chronicle, United States - 8 hours ago
"I want to promote myself to management," he said. Business schools explain the increased interest from students outside the country in several ways: The ...
Biggart to step down as dean of UC Davis management school Bizjournals.com
UC Davis Business School Dean to Step Down MarketWatch
UC Davis business school dean to return to teaching Sacramento Bee
Bizjournals.com - Sacramento Beeall 21 news articles

US wildlife service taking comment on wetland management
Sioux Falls Argus Leader, SD - 6 hours ago
... Monday at the Sioux Falls Convention Center to gather public comment on the Huron, Madison and Sand Lake wetland management districts in South Dakota. ...

Reuters

Ospraie Management to close flagship fund
BusinessWeek - Sep 3, 2008
By JOE BEL BRUNO Hedge fund Ospraie Management LLC will close its flagship fund after suffering big losses in August on wrong-way commodities bets, ...
Ospraie Management closes main hedge fund guardian.co.uk
Hedge Funds Get Rattled As Investors Seek Exits Wall Street Journal
Lehman Brothers and the Cost of Multitasking Wall Street Journal Blogs
Bloomberg - Forbesall 315 news articles

FireRescue1

Gustav Victims Urged To Contact FEMA, Register For Disaster Aid
WDSU, LA - 17 hours ago
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has activated measures to help people who are coming home find a place to stay. If residents can’t return due to ...
Hot spots: News from around the world Chicago Sun-Times
FEMA may cover hotel costs for hurricane evacuees The Associated Press
FEMA to cover hotels for those with damaged homes Houston Chronicle
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review - KATCall 478 news articles

Management contract that renews automatically should be rejected
Los Angeles Times, CA - 6 hours ago
Our attorney recommended a specific management company, so we're concerned that he has a conflict in reviewing their contract for us. ...

Cosco Busan operator offers to plea no contest
San Jose Mercury News,  USA - 20 hours ago
In court papers filed Thursday, Fleet Management Ltd. of Hong Kong offers to accept convictions for six felony charges and two misdemeanors, but claims the ...
Cosco Busan operating firm offers plea San Francisco Chronicle
Company managing Cosco Busan wants to plead no contest in oil ... San Jose Mercury News
all 42 news articles

ABC News

South Florida Water Management District prepares for Hurricane Ike
The News-Press, FL - 19 hours ago
West Palm Beach, FL — Already awash in rainfall from tropical storms Fay and Hanna, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is bracing for ...
Video: Carolina Coast Preps for Hanna AssociatedPress
Hanna set to darken New England skies Nashua Telegraph
Double Whammy? Residents Prep for Hanna, Ike ABC News
Cayman Net News - SouthCoastToday.comall 5,595 news articles

Public comment invited on NT magpie geese management
ABC Online, Australia - 14 hours ago
The Territory Government is calling for public input into the development of a five-year management plan to protect the state's magpie goose population. ...
management - Google News


Wind Chimes and more...

Windchimes for great gifts!

Interviewing Candidates: 3 Ways to Avoid Snap Judgments

Have you ever hired the wrong person? If so, perhaps... Read More

9 Tips for Getting the Most From Your Conference Investment

Tips for Getting the Most From Your Conference Investment All... Read More

3 Reasons Why CRM Strategies Fail

Customer relationship management (CRM) is one of the most effective... Read More

Controlling Your Cash Flow

IntroductionAre you looking for a way to gain control of... Read More

Einstein - Definition of Insanity

Insanity in the Sign & Graphics IndustryEinstein's DefinitionAlbert Einstein once... Read More

Technology & Communication

A study a couple of years ago found that 63%... Read More

Managing After Downsizing

So, you survived the downsizing. Your company did something that... Read More

Uncommon Common Sense ? Know What is the Most Important Thing in Your Business

Over 3 of my meetings with 3 business owners last... Read More

Dialogue: the Four Dialogic Principles For Successful Communication

"But you don't understand!" exclaimed the manager, "this new initiative... Read More

Time Management Tip: Stop Micro-Managing Employees

If I was a fly on the wall what would... Read More

The New Economy

This technological revolution has organization, efficiency and productivity requirements well... Read More

Communicating Effectively In The Workplace: Four Vital Steps

Ineffective communication is a major, yet avoidable, obstacle to business... Read More

Unveiling the Value of Your Expertise

All of us have knowledge, expertise, and experience that others... Read More

HRM: Contributing to Well-being or Ill-being at Work?

If you were to take the people out of an... Read More

A Checklist for Organized Executives

I could begin this article by providing a checklist of... Read More

Communicating CEOs

I see a PR firm has done a survey on... Read More

Strategies for Planning and Conducting Effective Meetings

Did you know that business executives spend about half their... Read More

Avoiding The Sheep Dip

It is a sad fact that many employees are still... Read More

ISO 9001 and Total Quality Management

Total Quality ManagementTotal Quality Management, or TQM, has become one... Read More

Change and Performance - Training May Not Be The Answer

Introducing new products or services, bringing new people on board,... Read More

First Things First -- Process BEFORE Technology

Here's a brief story I encountered while leaving Newark International... Read More

Burger on a Bun Decision Making

When approaching any decision, it's important for individuals to maintain... Read More

Sexual Harassment Policy Guidelines Part I

Sexual Harassment Policy Guidelines ? Part IPermission is hereby granted... Read More

Why Outsourcing Could Be The Best Thing You Do For Your Business

While it's probably not true to say that the traditional... Read More

An Honest Look at Your Business

There is a difference between being comfortable and being in... Read More