Leading starts with good meetings

[Shopcat]

I was wondering how often you meet with your staff and what do you discuss?

Regular meetings are necessary to share your vision for your company and stay in touch with your staff. A good meeting has a purpose. In other words, there is a purpose and subject beyond " its Tuesday, so we have a meeting".

Here are a few things I like to include in my staff meetings, and I would like to hear what you do in your meetings that works well.

1. Have your desired result in mind. Plan the meeting around what you want to accomplish.

2. Do an outline of your agenda. Set some subjects, add the WIFM factor and what the ultimate goal is.

3. Identify key participants and how they play into the plan. Ask for their help because they are effective and good at what they do.

4. Set goals and get them to participate with open ended questions, like " Jim, how can we get this done? this is right up your alley"

5. The wrap up, recap the thrust of the meeting, thank them for their help, and let them know we will recap how it went next meeting.

I'm looking for some feedback on what works at your meetings....

[Joe Marconi]

I think what you are doing is great! Meetings are a great way to boost morale and get buy-in from everyone.

 

I hold at least 3 meeting a week with my manager. He holds at least 2 meetings per week with the service staff. We hold one meeting a week with the techs. We always have an agenda and never make it a beat up session. We bring up success stories and make sure everyone engages in the conversation.

 

You have the right idea with your agenda. Best of luck to you.

[Shopcat]

Joe, I appreciate the words of encouragement. I really enjoy your articles, both online and in the trade magazines. You are a credit this business and I appreciate you sharing your knowledge. Thanks!!

[Mike Walter]

Hi guys, I am very interested in this meeting subject. For so many years, I always brought up the negatives that were happening in the shop. Lately, I have been more positive and instructed my manager to do the same. Employee input is very important and I enjoy hearing what's on my guys minds. Questions I have for you guys, is do you put a time limit on these meetings ( our meetings have a 1 hr time limit on them ) and what time of day do you usually do them ? Right now, I have biweekly meetings with my managers and monthly with the 2 staffs ( I basically have 2 staffs with 2 different managers, because I have a quick lube business and a full service repair business, located in my 7 bay shop ). Your input ( just like my employees ) would be appreciated. Thanks, Mike.