Recognized by Success Magazine as the Editors Favorite tip in response to the question “How to Maximize Meetings,” this tip describes the Decision Board approach to meeting minutes. Read more →

Many people worry about silence in a meeting. They think it means nothing is happening. Often, however, there is a lot going on in participants’ minds. Learn to be comfortable with silence and how to re-engage participants if the silence continues past the useful point. Read more →

How to analyze the gap between where a team or company or group is at present and where they wish to be. Read more →

Meetings can be very boring when we remove all drama and energy from them. Instead, look for the points of high interest and highlight them. Appreciate conflict as adding energy and focus on resolving disagreements. Your meetings will become interactive and truly interesting. 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 →

When to hire a professional facilitator: when emotions are strong, everyone’s input is needed, fresh and innovative thinking is required, and more. 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 →