
Prepare
tangible - adj. /ˈtændʒəbəl/ something that is tangible can be seen, touched or measured. Yes, your idea sounds promising, but what are the tangible benefits?
commodity - n.[c.] /kəˈmɒdəti/ a product that you can buy or sell
agenda - n.[c.] /əˈdʒendə/ a list of the things that will be discussed at a meeting
Read this article by Forbes called '5 Ways to Lead a Meeting' and think about your own experiences of the meetings you've been involved in:
- Is there always a tangible reason for holding the meeting?
- Is there a clear agenda? And if so, does the meeting always keep to the agenda?
- What are participants expected to do? Are these expectations clear to everyone?
- Is there an opportunity for participants to give feedback and recommendations?
Finally, one last question to consider:
- Do you agree with the writer that "the best leaders can make at least 30 solid decisions in 30 minutes throughout the course of a meeting"?
We'll start our lesson by discussing your thoughts.
Learn
You'll need to book a lesson.
Review
You’ll receive an activity sheet after the lesson to help review and summarize the lesson. [To type on PDFs: 1) download Adobe Acrobat Reader DC (free), 2) Tools -> Fill & Sign]
Check your answers
PRO TIP
To type answers on PDFs: 1) download Adobe Acrobat Reader DC (free), 2) Tools > Fill & Sign
Follow-up
Practise being the minute taker yourself while you watch a meeting.
You’ll need to listen carefully and take brief notes of the main points in the meeting. The meeting has 3 participants, from the left: Amy, Beth and Carla.
- Get a pen and piece of paper ready for your minute taking.
- Watch the video and make notes on the main points and any agreed actions.
- Compare your minutes to my minutes. Are they similar? Did you catch all the important details?
- Watch the video again. Can you catch anything new?
head (a project) up - v. /'hed ʌp/ to lead a project, department or organisation
touch base (with someone) - v. /tʌtʃ 'beɪs/ to talk with someone (often to catch up, discuss an idea or give an update)