Details about the book on taking minutes of meetings

Ideas of the Purpose and Benefits of Meetings

By Heather Baker

Download a free copy of this list of benefits and purposes of meetings.

• Meetings must have an objective. There is no point in having a meeting just because you always have one at 9am on a Tuesday morning if there is nothing to discuss.
• Meetings can be used to:
• Share, discuss and exchange information - team work in action!
• Benefit from each other’s views and opinions nobody should work in isolation – brainstorming ideas leads to more creativity.
• Decide upon the best action to take, as group discussion leads to more ideas.
• Analyse and solve problems by working with others to deal with work-based challenges
• Talk about planned new developments and exchange ideas and suggestions for action. Giving different views and varying angles to reach the best possible solutions.
• Link together the activities undertaken by a number of people, ensuring people who are working on a project at different locations or in different offices are able to co-ordinate their activities.
• Discuss issues of mutual concern giving moral support.
• Exchange up to date information to make sure that everyone is aware of current events and developments. This communication leads to a happy and effective workforce. However, if the only purpose is to give information then is it better simply to send an email? If the topic isn’t controversial, just send a note or put a notice on the intranet or a bulletin board.
• Plan the future of a project or company.
• Make decisions and come to an agreement.
• Review progress either to learn from the past or with a view to moving forward.
• Learn from the experience of fellow colleagues.
• Save time – as important issues can be debated with everyone concentrating on the same item at the same time. A well run meeting can ensure excellent time management.
• Increase understanding and appreciation of the views of other people. It is easy to be critical of other people and the way that they do things – having a meeting to understand each other’s issues can improve relationships and communication.
• Reach the best possible conclusion, because the exchange of views and information leads to all the options being considered and the best one being chosen.
• Gain the commitment of those present on the decisions reached with witnesses!
• Allow staff to interact – particularly if they all work in different locations. This enhances communication – which makes an organisation function effectively and efficiently.

By Heather Baker

About Heather Baker
Details about the book on taking minutes of meetings
Resource page for the book, including the workbook and links for example minutes
Preview inside the book
Praise for the how to take minutes of meetings training