Do You Run Meetings Effectively? [Self-Assessment Test]

Running meetings effectively is a key skill for you in the workplace.

Whether you are a team leader, project manager, or just someone who needs to facilitate meetings, being able to run an effective meeting is essential for success. A well-run meeting can increase productivity and motivation among team members, improve communication, and lead to better decision-making.

On the other hand, poorly managed meetings can be frustrating, unproductive, and a waste of time for everyone involved. They can also damage team morale and reduce trust in leadership.

Effective meeting management requires several key skills.

You need to be able to set clear objectives and agendas, manage time effectively, involve all participants, keep the discussion on track, and follow up on action items afterward. You also need to be able to handle conflict and encourage collaboration among team members.

For example, imagine you are leading a project team that is running behind schedule.

You need to call a meeting to discuss potential solutions to get things back on track. Without effective meeting management, the discussion could quickly become unfocused and unproductive, leading to frustration and wasted time.

However, if you are able to set clear objectives for the meeting, involve everyone in the discussion, and keep the conversation on track, you are much more likely to end up with actionable solutions that move the project forward.

In summary, running meetings effectively is a crucial skill for anyone who wants to be successful in the workplace. By taking the time to develop your meeting management skills, you can increase productivity, improve communication, and build stronger teams.

So, how effective are you at running meetings? Take our self-assessment test to find out.

Self Assessment Test

To conduct the self-assessment, simply answer all questions, and click the calculate results button at the end.

Interpreting Your Results

0 - 20 Points

If you scored 0-20 points, it indicates that you may need to improve your skills on running meetings effectively. It could be that you are not setting clear objectives, not involving all participants or allowing them to participate, or you may be facing with communication difficulties. You may want to consider seeking feedback from others or attending training sessions to help you improve your skills.

21 - 40 Points

If you scored 21-40 points, it means that you have some experience in running meetings effectively, but there is still room for improvement. You may want to focus on specific areas such as setting clear objectives, improving your communication skills or engaging all the participants. Understanding your weaknesses and strengths can help you improve effectively.

41 - 60 Points

If you scored 41-60 points, congratulations, it means that you have a good grasp on running efficient meetings. You are probably setting clear objectives, involving all participants and ensuring effective communication throughout the meetings. However, there is always room for improvement, and you may want to look for areas that you can improve to make the meetings even more effective. Keep up the good work!

5 Quick Tips to Become Better at Running Meetings

As a leader, one of the key skills you need to have is the ability to run meetings effectively. However, it’s easier said than done. Meetings can be time-consuming, unproductive, and frustrating.

If you want to improve your skills as a meeting leader, then here are five quick tips you can apply:

1. Set Clear Objectives

One of the main reasons why meetings can be unproductive is that there is no clear purpose or agenda for the meeting. As the facilitator, it’s your responsibility to set clear objectives for your meeting. Make sure you have an agenda that outlines the topics to be discussed, the desired outcome of the meeting, and the time allotted for each discussion point. This will help keep everyone focused and increase the chances of a productive meeting.

2. Limit Attendees

It’s easy to fall into the trap of inviting everyone to a meeting, but the truth is, not everyone needs to be there. As the leader, you need to make sure that only those who need to be there are in attendance. Having too many people in a meeting can lead to distractions, long discussions, and unproductive tangents. Make sure that each attendee has a clear role or a specific topic to address during the meeting.

3. Keep Time in Check

Meetings can easily overrun their allotted time, which not only causes frustration for attendees but also wastes valuable time. As the leader, it is your responsibility to keep time in check. Start and end the meeting on time; be sure to allow time for questions, comments, and wrap-up. Be disciplined when it comes to timekeeping and make it a priority to end the meeting on time.

4. Encourage Participation

You want the attendees to actively participate in the meeting. Encourage this by asking open-ended questions that provoke discussion. Allow opportunities for attendees to voice their opinions, concerns, and ideas. You can also assign tasks or responsibilities to individuals to ensure that everyone is involved in the meeting.

5. Follow Up

After the meeting has concluded, be sure to follow up with everyone involved. Make sure that everyone knows their responsibilities and what is expected from them. Provide clear action items, deadlines, and deliverables, and keep track of progress. Following up on the meeting ensures that everyone is accountable, and the desired outcome of the meeting is achieved.

By following these quick tips, you can improve your skills as a meeting leader and run meetings that are productive and worthwhile. Remember, as the leader, it’s your responsibility to facilitate the meeting and ensure that everyone stays on task.