John Adair's 100 Greatest Ideas for Brilliant Communication

Idea 78: Six rules for chairing a meeting

Making meetings effective

Aim	1. Start on time2. Outline the purpose clearly State the problems/situation/reason for the meeting Define constraints and limitations Establish the task(s) of the meeting
Guide	3. Ensure effective discussion Introduce the topic(s) for discussion Draw out opinions, viewpoints and experiences Develop group interest and involvement Keep the discussion within staged task(s)
Crystallize	4. Establish conclusions Recognize degrees of feeling and changes of opinion Summarize points of agreement and disagreement State intermediate conclusions as they are reached Check understanding and acceptance
Act	5. Gain acceptance and commitment Summarize and state conclusion(s) clearly Gain commitment ...