The meeting before, during, or after the meeting. 

Don’t deny it; we have all been a part of the pre-or post-meeting meeting. You meet formally, follow the agenda, make decisions and adjourn. But then a small group meets after, sends texts, or starts a call chain that can chip away at the decision made around the table and the climate of the group as a whole. 

Sometimes it happens before the meeting. Hidden agendas of the meeting participants can be prominent before the conversations formally start. This can sound like “everyone thinks this” or “we have always done that”. Using group speak when it comes from one individual gives the statement more power, and can derail or detract from the movement of the group as a whole. 

Leading with grace and leaning into your own integrity requires clarity and focus in your conversations and your agenda. If you are attempting to change the pattern of behavior you must find a way to create new rules and stick to them. Using the following steps will help you move towards a more focused meeting template, which will provide better results in the end. 

Find, and use Norms.  Having norms is one thing, using them is another. The best way to reinforce norms is to create together, review often, and hold each other accountable when we go off the ‘norm’ course. 

Set times. Allow time in the meeting to debate and discuss concerning items will also the meeting after the meeting to dissolve. Just make sure there are stop times on the debates so it doesn’t monopolize the meeting. 

Who is doing the talking? And who isn’t? Having discussions and decisions being made also requires an ability to ensure the voices speaking are not the few, but the many. Using protocols that allow everyone to have an opportunity to share their suggestions and have productive conversations that include many voices, not just the loud ones. 

Reflect, Revise, and Stick With It. Leading with grace and leaning into integrity when facilitating meetings means that much of your work won’t be seen by others, but felt in the school climate and culture you are creating. If a meeting goes off course-revisit your agenda, check in on your norms, and establish protocols for next time. Keep trying, work on small refinements, and celebrate the milestones as you move forward. 

And Remember…..The risk is always worth the reward.

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