This morning I received this tweet….

It got me thinking about what’s important in facilitating a meeting, so I’ve put together 6 of my favourite tips…

1. Be organised. Send out any information/invites well in advance, show up to the venue ahead of time, and be prepared with any relevant documentation, materials or equipment that you need. If you don’t show respect for the other participants and the process you’ve committed to, why should you expect them to respect you?
2. Take time to clarify – even if it feels like you’re stating/asking the obvious. Assumptions are always dangerous in meetings and can lead to much wasted time when you realise that participants had a totally different understanding of the topic under discussion. At the start of the meeting, clarify the purpose of the meeting and the structure and process you intend to follow. If there is anything said during the meeting that you don’t understand, or that you sense that others don’t understand, make a point to seek clarification there and then.

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