M ANAGING M EETINGS
P ROGRAM

Meetings skills programs increase efficiency

People perceive that much of the time they spend in meetings is wasted. Taking a systematic approach can help make the whole process - preparation through closure - more efficient.

Our Managing Meetings program focuses on information-sharing and discussion and the relationship-building skills that help meeting participants reach their objectives. We use a model for thinking about client (internal and external) meetings to develop skills for

• Understanding and responding to the client's thinking styles

  Using the MBTI survey, we discuss the preferences of individuals and how best to share information with or obtain information from them. We include discussion and tips on how to use the understanding of an individual's preferences to manage the flow of information and obtain agreement.

• Asking questions, listening and probing to ensure understanding of the client's underlying needs

  Determining a client's true needs and concerns during the meeting helps the presenter and meeting leader to better focus the discussion and obtain agreement to the decision or meeting outcome. In order to do so, participants polish their probing and listening skills with examples and roleplays.

• Managing the meeting as an interactive process

  Using gatekeeping, summarizing, and observing skills keeps the meeting on track. We provide techniques for handling questions and objections, and discuss ways to deal with the unexpected.

• Developing options and joint problem-solving

  Participants will develop skills for obtaining input and ideas, as well as solutions to problems, and ensuring joint ownership of the solutions.

Program Design

This one- or two-day program includes discussion and exercises, customized to the client's situation and materials, to help the participants (whether they are leading or participating in a meeting) develop their meeting facilitation skills as well as their ability to deliver information in a way that meets the needs of their listeners. Actual client meeting situations are adapted for use in case studies, and roleplays ensure that participants can easily apply the techniques learned in their own jobs. Roleplays are videotaped and each participant will obtain feedback from the group and personalized feedback from one instructor.

Go to...

Next Program Description

Previous Program Description

Up to Program Index

Strategic Communications Home Page

Additional contact information is available