In our Leadership Training Residency (LTR) we are just finishing up our 2nd semester on leadership. For the past 2 weeks, Karla Weemhoff and I have been teaching about healthy meetings. Below are some key insights that we believe make for a “meeting that works”.
- Have a clear agenda
- Focus on the “big” ones first. - Have a relational “check-in” time.
- Share 1-2 minutes each about a good thing in your life and one thing you have been thinking about in ministry.
- This reveals a lot to help people understand the lives and thoughts of the team. - Setting the vision, values and boundaries of the meeting.
- Who are we?
- Everyone’s voice matters.
- We will quiet down the talkers. - Meeting frequency.
- Ask the team for a “double” rhythm that works. Ex: 1x per week, 2x per month, etc. - Value Time
- Arrive on time.
- 45-60 minutes will permission for extended time.
- Contact leader immediately if you are late or can’t come (text or call). - Leader should catch and process comments during the meeting.
- Ex: “Jim/Jane…you seem upset or can you clarify a bit more?”
- Read body language/eye contact/non-verbals. - Leaders lead.
- Leaders live in the constant tension of talking too much or not enough.
- Ask good questions.
- Give directional leadership.
- Leader should allow the team to see your heart, passion and dreams when appropriate.
- Leader should be humble, vulnerable and honest. - Summarize the meeting and give assignments or ask for champions.
- Ex: “So what I see is that we made 3 important decisions. Jim/Jane, would you be willing to champion (name team)?”
- Set date for next meeting.
- Set deadlines for follow-through and who will be held accountable. - Always process who/whom needs to be communicated to because of the decisions made.
- Do we have to tell the other site pastors, worship leaders, children’s ministry, tech team, building and grounds before you twitter it, facebook it or put it in bulletin/program.
Anything I missed? Do you agree?
Great ideas Bob. One thing I might add is confidentiality, when needed. As i was reading, I really see how you do all of those things. Have a great day. Judie
Great practical advice, Bob. I would add one thought: We like to begin our meetings with “Where are we winning?” or “Where do we see God at work?” Sets a positive tone and brings energy to any meeting from the start. Thanks!
Great points, thank you for sharing!
Good stuff Pastor Bob. Thanks.
Jim