Meetings can be a very effective means of conducting TYG business. They can also be a tremendous waste of time. The purpose of this page is to clarify when meetings are necessary and appropriate, and to offer suggestions for how to run them.

General Tips on Running a Meeting: 

Make sure the meeting is necessary
There is no more inefficient use of time than an unnecessary meeting. Who needs to be there? Could the objectives of the meeting be accomplished in a phone call between a few people? You should always be able to answer the overarching question of “Why are we here?” If you feel like the meeting will lead to the success of your events, then I’d say it’s necessary.

Have an agenda
As I mentioned before, there’s no reason why everyone shouldn’t be as informed as possible, and agendas make good scrap paper for taking notes. Make the agenda as informative as possible. Include dates of upcoming events and deadlines.

Be organized
You made an agenda. Stick to it! Use the agenda to refocus people who get off track, and move quickly from one agenda item to the next. Also, be prepared with any extra materials you might need for the meeting, such as school or Jewish holiday calendars. 

Lead the meeting with authority
People need to know who is in charge of a meeting. That person needs to control the flow as well as the tone of the meeting. Even in the case of co-Presidents, make sure you decide beforehand who is going to be the point person, addressing agenda items and questions. As this person, try to position yourself strategically in the room. For example, if there is a giant rocking chair and then a bunch of little chairs, you should grab the big one. This subtle separation will help you to stay in control.

Have guidelines
Participants should know what to expect from the leader. Will parliamentary procedure be used? Can they speak out of turn? Is the meeting formal or loosely structured? What to talk about at meetings, and what to table for committees?

Meetings are designed for communication
Everyone should have his or her say. The leader should make sure the lines of communication are open and that any “hidden agendas” are exposed or eliminated.

It is OK for meetings to be fun!
As long as the intended business is covered, there is certainly a place for joking around, socializing, etc. Snacks are also recommended. Meetings can be boring or exasperating at times, and people will leave with a better feeling if it is not strictly business.