Guide to Meetings

Chapter 1. Why Meet? Define Your Purpose and Choose Your Channel

Chapter 1 Outline

1. Specify your purpose for meeting.

   • General meeting goals

   • Specific meeting purpose

2. Decide if a meeting is the best channel to use.

   • Should you hold a meeting?

   • Should you speak to one individual?

   • Should you write?

   • Should you make a presentation?

3. Analyze your attitudes toward meetings.

   • Meetings are real work.

   • Meetings are not easy.

   • Meetings must balance competing needs.

The first question to ask yourself in preparation for a meeting is “Why meet?” By answering this question, you can avoid one of the most prevalent complaints about meetings—that they are called unnecessarily. To avoid this pitfall, always (1) specify your purpose for meeting, (2) decide if a meeting is the best channel ...