When is it appropriate to hold “stand up” meetings, that is, meetings where no chairs are provided? When you want short, focused meetings where attendees report on what they’re doing. It is not the way to get creative thinking! Read more →

Some meetings run well and do not need a facilitator. Or they think that is the case. If your role is to be the facilitator, do not force yourself on the group. Participate in a low-key way and offer your skills when the group appears to be stuck or unproductive. Read more →

Additional situations that benefit from a professional facilitator have one or several of these factors: full participation is important, internal politics are strong, neutrality is crucial, past meetings have been frustrating, group commitment is essential, an outsider lends importance to topic. Read more →

Any meeting can be improved by starting off right. How? Here are 5 easy steps to begin your meetings and focus them for successful results. Read more →

Everyone has attended brainstorming meetings. Here are the essential guidelines that will make your brainstorming more productive. Read more →

What is the optimal layout for a room when the meeting is intended to generate creative ideas? Experience tells me that a “living room” setup is best. There are other key elements that can help or hurt the innovation factor, too! Read more →

Japanese-style decision making can give a good option in meeting management. Rather than identify one idea and say yes/no, explore the question and consult with all affected individuals. THEN, generate alternatives and choose among them. (source is Peter Drucker) Read more →

For a speedy and effective meeting, consider using Sticky Notes (or Post-It® Notes). You can get lots of ideas up quickly and then organize them into appropriate categories for action. Read more →