Run GREAT Meetings

Welcome to the “Run GREAT Meetings” guide! Effective meetings are essential for collaboration, decision-making, and achieving organizational goals. Follow the acronym GREAT to ensure your meetings are productive and valuable.

G - Goal Oriented

• Purpose:
  • Meetings should have a clear purpose related to progress against plans and projects.
  • Every meeting should have a set agenda everyone can review prior to the meeting.
• Tips:
  • Start by stating the meeting’s objective. What do you want to achieve?
  • Focus discussions on relevant topics that contribute to the goal.
  • Cover each agenda item, being mindful of time.
  • Regularly review progress.

R - Respectful

• Value People:
  • Respect participants’ time and contributions.
  • Encourage open dialogue and active listening.
  • Avoid interrupting or dominating discussions.
• Tips:
  • Set ground rules for respectful behavior.
  • Acknowledge different perspectives and encourage inclusivity.

E - Engaging

• Connect to Purpose:
  • Ensure everyone understands how their work and this meeting contributes to the team's overall purpose.
  • Create an engaging environment where ideas flow freely.
• Tips:
  • Use visuals, stories, and examples to illustrate points.
  • Encourage participation from all attendees.
  • Keep energy levels high by varying activities (e.g., brainstorming, group discussions).

A - Action Oriented

• Translate Ideas into Action:
  • Meetings should result in actionable next steps.
  • Assign responsibilities and deadlines.
• Tips:
  • Summarize key decisions and action items at the end of the meeting.
  • Record follow-up actions
  • Follow up promptly after the meeting to ensure tasks are executed.
  • If enabled, the system can send a meeting summary report to every participant.

T - Time Managed

• Stick to the Agenda:
  • Respect everyone’s time by adhering to the schedule.
  • Avoid going off-topic or allowing discussions to drag on.
• Tips:
  • Create a detailed agenda with time allocations for each item.
  • Designate a timekeeper to keep discussions on track.
  • Start and end meetings punctually.
  • If possible, take side discussions "offline" to preserve time.

Conclusion

By running GREAT meetings, you’ll enhance collaboration, boost productivity, and achieve better outcomes. Remember that effective meetings are a reflection of a well-functioning team.