FBC


UPFRONT» Management


Effective Meetings Create Culture


Meeting don’t have to be a waste of time BY PAULA COMFORT


“Meetings don’t actually suck, we suck at them.” His tips turn one of the most loathed elements of business into one of the most valuable. Most companies spend an incredible


K


amount of time in meetings. It is critical to plan and prepare so that this valuable time and labour cost is worthwhile. Here are some thoughts on creating


effective meetings that will dramati- cally impact the culture and bottom line of your organization. 1. Have an agenda. Really put


thought into this. Parts of the agenda should be determined by the owners and senior team. Parts of the agenda


16 Fitness Business Canada September/October 2017


nown as the CEO whisperer, Cameron Herold authored a book called Meetings Suck! But to quote Cameron, he suggests,


should be a collaborative contribution of your team. 2. Be sure the agenda has time al-


lotments. Determine how much time is required for each item and list this on the agenda. 3. Include a review of the minutes


of the last meeting. 4. Determine who should be at


each meeting. For example, there is no point in having people attend if they do not provide impact. Ensure that de- cision makers are present in order to be productive. 5. Assign roles: facilitator, adminis-


trator and decision makers. Someone needs to run the meeting, track time and involve all participants. You need someone to detail the discussions and the decisions that are made.


6. Begin and end on time. This


has a massive impact on culture. Set high standards and be consistent. Arrive early if you are running the meeting. 7. Be sure to follow up with meet-


ing minutes that are detailed and spe- cific to the agenda discussions and decisions. 8. Distribute the minutes in a time-


ly manner, 48 hours post meeting at the latest.


This level of professionalism and


accountability will impact your bot- tom line. Team members desire and need structure. After a well-run meet- ing people feel accomplished, and good meeting minutes help everyone feel they are on the same page.


Paula Comfort has 20+ years of experience in the fitness in- dustry. Most recently she was managing director of Fitness for Spa Chakra Inc., a luxury spa and health club company where she started the division.


Previous roles include area vice-president of The Sports Clubs of Canada/Bally Total Fitness. She is currently a partner in her own consult- ing company, 360 Impact Group. Contact her at paula@360impactgroup.com or 416-565-6025.


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