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Meet The Moment

Insights You Need From
The Association for Academic Leaders
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Leading Better Meetings--Meet the Moment, September 11, 2022

9/9/2022

4 Comments

 
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Leading meetings is one of the essential tasks of academic leadership. There are faculty meetings, department meetings, and more. You have a “captive audience” with teachers and students and you'll want to use that time as part of your acceleration to building trust. Design those meetings with intentionality!
One thing to say is that the purpose of a meeting is never (or almost never) simply to disseminate information. Instead, meetings should be designed to:
  • Build relationships and teamwork
  • Address the emotional needs of the community
  • Debate/discuss a complex situation in which multiple viewpoints are needed.
  • Brainstorm ideas to solve a collective problem
  • Help multiple constituents find alignment on a best practice

So, let's consider the faculty meeting just prior to Parent/Guardian Night at which each teacher will welcome parents in for a mini-class. How can that meeting be structured? If a division director simply tells teachers reminders of what to include, the meeting is likely to fall flat. Perhaps teachers can instead receive a reminder of what needs to be included before they arrive at the meeting. Then, in the meeting, small groups (already designed by the division director to ensure new faculty are paired with experienced teachers) can rehearse their plans with one another, get feedback on items such as slides, and make adjustments in real time. That's a meeting in which alignment to mission and relationship building can happen without a lot of administrative talking. 

How does this same logic apply to other meetings you’re called to lead at your school?
4 Comments
Jen Pokorney
9/19/2022 11:32:09 am

I agree with all parts of the above list. But we did discuss how this can be difficult when you are low on energy, time, and creativity. Yes, to problem solving with the group and being prepared so there is not wasted time. This to do list provides a reminder to make your meeting meaningful.

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Veronica, Dawn, and Linda
9/19/2022 11:33:11 am

We have discovered being clear, concise, and respectful of time is important. The collaboration aspect should always be a part of every meeting to some degree and that the majority of that task has been accomplished as a team. We also make sure there is time for a check in to gage the temperature/vibe of the meeting and allow opportunity for follow up.

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Samantha
9/19/2022 11:34:32 am

This points to the importance of meeting time being relevant and practical for all participants. This honors people's time and makes the gathering useful. Another way to create relevance is to solicit topics from participants in advance. -Samantha & Kirstie

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SLS Academic Council
9/19/2022 11:34:51 am

Thought provoking. So important to make space for all members of the group. By structuring meetings where the work can happen in the meeting leaves colleagues feeling empowered and their time respected.

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