When you think of formal gatherings, you may think of a formal meeting that has a specific agenda, strict rules, and an assigned speaker who leads discussions. There may be a person who makes notes that adhere to a specific structure and use formal language. For informal meetings, these guidelines may not be in place.
The subject of the meeting will define the atmosphere and how people interact whether through discussion or voting. For instance, a meeting with a specific topic of loose ends and old business can be a great opportunity to discuss important issues that were previously unfinished and discuss the impact these items will have on future work. A meeting that includes an agenda item about new business plans might provide an ideal opportunity to discuss these new initiatives, and assessing how they fit in the overall strategy of the company.
It is crucial that the participants feel comfortable expressing their opinions in the group, and that they are not worried about how their opinions will be accepted. You might want to ask a person who is not comfortable speaking to elaborate on a topic raised by another group member. This will help keep the group focused on the concepts https://boardroomrecords.com/formal-meetings-from-strategy-to-progress/ themselves instead of conflicting personalities. It is important to keep the conversation focused and ensure that a quorum is in the room as the meeting progresses. It is also helpful to follow-up with participants after the meeting and request feedback, as it will help to reinforce the importance of their involvement in the event’s outcome.