Page 25 - Leadership Basics 10

At What Time Should the Meeting Be Held?
The time at which the group meets can have a considerable impact on the meeting's quality. There are
problems if the meeting is held very early or very late. People being inconvenienced can make
concentration difficult. This is particularly true of meetings held with teachers after work or near to the
close of the day when they are anxious to leave and are relatively tired. Under these circumstances, it
is hardly surprising that hasty and poor‐quality decisions are made. Think of the time when you have
been anxious to leave a meeting for one reason or another. You have probably been willing to go along
with almost any decision to expedite a speedy conclusion.

Summary:
 Hold the meeting at a time when people can easily concentrate.
 Inconveniencing people can lead to poor‐quality decisions.

How Long Should the Meeting Be?

The length of a meeting can have a similar effect. People begin to get irritated, easily distracted and
intensely bored. It is best to set a time limit in order to maintain concentration. If the business is
unfinished, then reconvene on another occasion. There is nothing particularly courageous about
soldiering on to the bitter end.
The use of frequent breaks is a useful strategy. Far from interrupting the concentration, it actually
intensifies it, as people have time to reflect on the information and get things in perspective. They feel
refreshed after a drinks break and the work is likely to be sharper.

Breaks enable people to physically move, which in itself can relieve anxiety and indifference. Where an
extended break is just not possible, the simple act of standing up for a few minutes can have a
beneficial impact. When you are in charge you can tell everyone there will be a two‐minute break
before the next item and members can stretch their legs. If you stand up yourself, you will probably
find others do the same.
In meetings you should become adept at reading the non‐verbal signals that say people have had
enough. Fidgeting and lack of eye contact, for example, are easy cues to spot. A verbal signal may be
evident when people's tempers become easily frayed.

Summary:
 Take frequent short breaks.
 Get members to stand up and walk round for a few minutes.

 Watch for signals of irritation.
 Set strict time limits for the meetings.

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