Meeting Excellence by Glenn M. Parker

Last updated: Sep 18, 2023

Summary of Meeting Excellence by Glenn M. Parker

Meeting Excellence by Glenn M. Parker is a comprehensive guide that provides practical advice and strategies for conducting effective meetings. The book emphasizes the importance of well-structured and productive meetings in achieving organizational goals.

Parker begins by highlighting the common problems associated with meetings, such as lack of focus, poor time management, and ineffective communication. He emphasizes the need for a clear purpose and agenda for every meeting, as well as the importance of setting specific goals and objectives.

The author introduces the concept of the "Meeting Excellence Framework," which consists of four key elements: Purpose, People, Process, and Preparation. He explains that each element plays a crucial role in ensuring successful meetings.

Under the Purpose element, Parker emphasizes the need for a clear and concise meeting objective. He suggests that meeting organizers should clearly communicate the purpose to all participants and ensure that it aligns with the overall goals of the organization.

The People element focuses on the participants of the meeting. Parker provides guidance on selecting the right individuals to attend the meeting, ensuring diversity and expertise. He also emphasizes the importance of creating a positive and inclusive meeting environment, where everyone feels comfortable expressing their opinions and ideas.

The Process element delves into the structure and flow of the meeting. Parker suggests various meeting formats, such as brainstorming sessions, decision-making meetings, and status update meetings. He provides tips on effective facilitation, encouraging active participation, and managing conflicts that may arise during the meeting.

The Preparation element emphasizes the importance of thorough planning and preparation before the meeting. Parker provides a step-by-step guide on creating an agenda, distributing pre-meeting materials, and ensuring that all necessary resources are available. He also emphasizes the need for follow-up actions and accountability after the meeting.

Throughout the book, Parker provides numerous practical tips, techniques, and real-life examples to illustrate his concepts. He also includes helpful checklists and templates that readers can use to implement the Meeting Excellence Framework in their own organizations.

In conclusion, Meeting Excellence by Glenn M. Parker is a comprehensive guide that offers valuable insights and strategies for conducting effective meetings. By following the Meeting Excellence Framework, readers can improve the productivity and outcomes of their meetings, ultimately leading to greater organizational success.

1. The importance of setting clear meeting objectives

In "Meeting Excellence," Glenn M. Parker emphasizes the significance of setting clear meeting objectives. Without clear objectives, meetings can easily become unproductive and lack focus. By clearly defining the purpose and desired outcomes of a meeting, participants can better prepare and contribute to the discussion. This also helps to keep the meeting on track and ensures that everyone is working towards a common goal.

Setting clear meeting objectives involves identifying the specific topics to be discussed, the decisions that need to be made, and the actions that need to be taken. It is important to communicate these objectives to all participants before the meeting, so they can come prepared and understand the purpose of the discussion. By doing so, meetings become more efficient, productive, and meaningful.

2. The role of the meeting leader in creating a positive meeting environment

The book highlights the crucial role of the meeting leader in creating a positive meeting environment. The leader sets the tone for the meeting and influences the level of engagement and participation from the attendees. A skilled meeting leader fosters an atmosphere of trust, respect, and open communication, which encourages collaboration and creativity.

To create a positive meeting environment, the leader should establish clear meeting norms and guidelines, such as active listening, equal participation, and constructive feedback. They should also ensure that everyone has an opportunity to contribute and that diverse perspectives are valued. By creating a safe and inclusive space, the meeting leader can maximize the potential for meaningful discussions and effective decision-making.

3. The importance of effective meeting facilitation

Effective meeting facilitation is another key takeaway from "Meeting Excellence." Facilitation involves guiding the meeting process, managing dynamics, and ensuring that objectives are met. A skilled facilitator keeps the discussion focused, encourages participation, and helps the group reach consensus.

To facilitate effectively, the book suggests using various techniques such as active listening, summarizing key points, and asking open-ended questions. The facilitator should also be mindful of time management, ensuring that discussions stay on track and that all agenda items are covered. By facilitating the meeting effectively, the facilitator can enhance productivity, engagement, and overall meeting success.

4. The value of creating an agenda

An agenda is a valuable tool for organizing and structuring meetings. It provides a roadmap for the discussion, ensuring that all necessary topics are covered and that time is allocated appropriately. The book emphasizes the importance of creating a well-structured agenda that includes clear objectives, time allocations for each item, and any necessary pre-work or materials.

By sharing the agenda with participants before the meeting, everyone can come prepared and have a clear understanding of what will be discussed. This helps to maximize the efficiency of the meeting and ensures that important topics are not overlooked. Additionally, the agenda serves as a reference point during the meeting, keeping participants focused and on track.

5. The benefits of active participation and engagement

Active participation and engagement from all meeting attendees are crucial for successful meetings. The book emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable contributing their ideas, opinions, and expertise.

Active participation leads to more diverse perspectives, increased creativity, and better decision-making. It also fosters a sense of ownership and commitment among participants. To encourage active participation, the book suggests techniques such as asking open-ended questions, inviting quieter participants to share their thoughts, and creating opportunities for small group discussions.

6. The power of effective meeting follow-up

Effective meeting follow-up is essential to ensure that the decisions made during the meeting are implemented and that progress is tracked. The book emphasizes the importance of assigning clear action items, deadlines, and responsibilities at the end of the meeting.

Following up on action items demonstrates accountability and helps to maintain momentum. It is also important to communicate the outcomes and decisions made during the meeting to all relevant stakeholders. This ensures that everyone is informed and aligned, and it helps to avoid misunderstandings or miscommunication.

7. The impact of meeting culture on overall organizational effectiveness

The book highlights the impact of meeting culture on overall organizational effectiveness. Meetings are a reflection of an organization's culture and values. If meetings are unproductive, disorganized, or lack engagement, it can negatively impact the organization's ability to achieve its goals.

By fostering a culture of meeting excellence, organizations can enhance collaboration, decision-making, and overall performance. This involves establishing clear expectations for meetings, providing training and resources for meeting facilitators, and continuously evaluating and improving meeting processes.

8. The importance of continuous improvement and learning

Continuous improvement and learning are essential for meeting excellence. The book emphasizes the importance of regularly evaluating and reflecting on meeting effectiveness and seeking feedback from participants.

By identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes, organizations can enhance meeting outcomes and overall productivity. This may involve experimenting with different meeting formats, incorporating new technologies, or seeking external expertise to enhance meeting facilitation skills.