1. ISLAMIC MEDICAL EDUCATION RESOURCES029908-M E E T I N G SPresented at the 11th Regional Leadership Training Program held in Hungary by Prof Omar Hasan Kasule, Sr, e-mail:omarkasule@yahoo.comGOOD REASONS FOR CALLING MEETINGSGoal clarificationInformationDecision-makingIntroducing new ideasConflict resolutionResolve implementation bottle-necks WHEN NOT TO CALL MEETINGSAvailability of alternative to meetingNot enough time to prepareKey players not availablePersonal / sensitive matters MEETINGS THAT WASTE TIMENo objectiveNo agendaNo time limitsLate coming SUCCESSUL MEETINGSPurpose: is the meeting actually necessary? specific objectivesAgenda: having a clear agenda & maintaining the meeting focus on the set agenda. Well structured agenda: introduction - purpose of meeting - key issues for discussion - stick to the agenda Listening to others. Invite only those absolutely needed: those with knowledge and expertise, implementors of decisions, Follow-up on invitations: verify that all participants are available , remind them about dates & place Choose meeting place with care Plan to control discussions: give background, plan to reach conclusions, guide meeting to a consensus, give every one a chance to speak, encourage quiet ones, control domineering types, summarize decisions and task assignments, assign follow-up tasks and set deadlines, end on a high note Time management: start on time, end on time, and establish time limits for each agenda itemFollow-up, circulate minutes and action lists DEALING WITH TIME-WASTING MEETINGSIf you have a good excuse do not attendFinish your priority work and be lateArrive on time and leave earlyBring work to do during boring meeting sessionsExcuse yourself for 15-20 minutes to do priority work WHAT WRECKS MEETINGSInvite as many people as possibleInvite anyoneCover as many topics as possibleDiscuss important issues lastSpend most of the time on unimportant issues © Professor Omar Hasan Kasule Sr. August 1999