Leading a discussion.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH BEFORE
The purpose Who is needed What must be decided
WHAT TO DO AT THE START
State the purpose and the time available.
WHY
It sets expectations and pace.
WHAT TO DO WITH THE AGENDA
Follow it, and say when you are moving on.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT DRIFT
Name it, and park the topic.
WHAT PARKING MEANS
Recording it for later, so the person feels heard.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT SOMEONE DOMINATING
Thank them, and invite someone else specifically.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT SILENCE
Ask a direct question, of a named person.
WHY NAMED
General questions to a group produce nothing.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT DISAGREEMENT
Let it happen, then decide.
WHY
Suppressed disagreement resurfaces later, worse.
WHAT TO DO WHEN A DECISION IS NEEDED
State the options, and decide, or name who will.
WHAT TO AVOID
Ending without decisions Letting it overrun by default Meetings that are status updates readable in writing
WHAT TO DO ABOUT THOSE
Replace them with written updates.
WHAT TO END WITH
Decisions, actions, owners and dates.
WHAT TO SEND AFTERWARDS
Those, promptly.
WHAT TO DO IF THE PURPOSE WAS NOT ACHIEVED
Say so, and arrange what is needed.
