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  • Atricle Dump - Expect More Out Of Meetings: Professional Facilitators Can Keep Your Meetings Focused And Productive

    Continuous Improvement - PDCA - The PLAN Phase
    Let's start by a quick recap of the main article...Make Continuous Improvement One Of Your Goals - As Soon As You Possibly Can (ID: 74077) ----------------------------------------------------------------What Is An Improvement Cycle?"Everything we do is a process, every process has a customer"The Improvement Cycle is a highly disciplined and rigorous approach to problem solving using the Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA) methodology developed by Dr. W. Edwards Deming.The Improvement Cycle consists of seven steps, 3 in the Plan phase, 1 in the Do phase, 1 in the Check phase, and 2 in the Act phase.The PDCA cycle needs to be used in a continuous manner, select your theme or project, assess the current situation, plan and implem
    couraging teamwork, driving decisions, and maximizing the overall organizational effectiveness of today’s companies.

    The role of the facilitator

    In summary, a professional meeting facilitator is an unbiased discussion leader who will guide the meeting and keep it focused. While he or she should be familiar with your market or topic of discussion, they are not content experts and should not be positioned as such. He or she will not make decisions for the group, but will suggest ways that will help the group to move forward. Prior to the meeting, the facilitator will work with team’s leader to develop the agenda, identify goals, determine the most effective decision-making process (e.g. consensus vs. majority vote), and evaluate the success of the meeting.

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    Should You Buy A Cheap Computer Desk?
    Cheap computer desks are generally used or second-hand computer desks. Information about cheap computer desks is available in classified ads in the newspaper. It is also available in websites like e-bay, Amazon, Tigerdirect, Argos or in specific websites related to furniture. Though they are used, cheap computer desks can be in pretty good condition. Second-hand furniture shops, “repo” men and flea markets are also good places to look for cheap computer desks.Cheap computer desks can also have style while they also serve the purpose. A cheap computer desk is always better and more economical alternative to using a standard office desk as a computer desk. Since working on the computer needs certain ergonomic comforts, it is always ideal to go for a cheap computer desk.
    Leaders and managers report that they spend a significant amount of time in meetings which are poorly run and do not produce meaningful results. It doesn’t take many of these ineffective meetings to derail internal processes, stagnate decision making, and frustrate employees and managers. The best way to avoid this pitfall is to structure meetings using some proven facilitation techniques that will keep the team focused, constructive, and on track.

    What is meeting facilitation?

    Meeting facilitation takes place when a neutral person (the meeting facilitator) assists an organization in conducting productive and efficient meetings involving multiple parties, participants, and/or complex issues. Thus, a good meeting facilitator will make sure that a positive and proactive tone and agenda are set, the participants are prepared prior to the start of the meeting, there is a balanced level of engagement from everyone attending, and action items are clearly defined and owned prior to adjourning.

    When should a professional meeting facilitator be used?

    A meeting facilitator is most beneficial when teams need to tackle high-stakes, complex, or important issues, or when participants may be difficult to control.

    However, when the group’s leader assumes the role of facilitator in these meetings, trouble can follow. It is virtually impossible for the leader to be neutral on content issues, which is a prime requisite for an effective facilitator. When group leaders facilitate their own meetings, they often cross the line into control and advocacy for their point(s) of view. In turn, this will shut down participation from others. Drifting from the agenda, lack of balanced participation, and running overtime are additional problems that can plague these meetings. Separating the leader and facilitator roles will help ensure that at least one person is focused on group process issues, managing the agenda, and keeping people involved.

    A professional meeting facilitator can help members of a group get to know each other, learn to cooperate, and work issues together in real time. Having a skilled facilitator run a meeting will also help direct the energy and thoughts of the members to the task at hand so they can move forward in difficult or stagnant times. Such meetings might include retreats, brainstorming exercises, strategic planning and problem-solving sessions.

    Why is meeting facilitation important?

    Meeting facilitation has become a more important communication skill in recent times. Many organizations have restructured in an attempt to involve more employees in the operations and decision-making of the company, and thus organizations are relying more heavily on the input of individual employees in a wide variety of decisions. By the same token, professionals in many areas are increasingly being asked to work as members of cross-functional groups. Effective and engaging facilitation has become a critical and required skill for coordinating the ideas and contributions of diverse sets of people within any company. Facilitators play an essential role in these meetings by encouraging teamwork, driving decisions, and maximizing the overall organizational effectiveness of today’s companies.

    The role of the facilitator

    In summary, a professional meeting facilitator is an unbiased discussion leader who will guide the meeting and keep it focused. While he or she should be familiar with your market or topic of discussion, they are not content experts and should not be positioned as such. He or she will not make decisions for the group, but will suggest ways that will help the group to move forward. Prior to the meeting, the facilitator will work with team’s leader to develop the agenda, identify goals, determine the most effective decision-making process (e.g. consensus vs. majority vote), and evaluate the success of the meeting.

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    Pssst ... Did You Hear We're Being Sued?
    Imagine this scene -- it's a quiet Tuesday afternoon at your office...Then, suddenly, the tranquility is shattered when a process server arrives. Of course, the receptionist doesn't really know what to do and doesn't want to be responsible for signing for something like this. So, over the loudspeaker she pages someone above her to come out front to sign for the service of process.In just a few minutes, everyone in the office is asking, "What is a service of process?" Once they figure it out, they all start guessing as to why your company is being sued.Now, we know that lawsuits are a part of business. But, to those who are on the outside, all they think of are the disastrous and negative connotations that come with the word lawsuit. So before you know it, hou
    ive tone and agenda are set, the participants are prepared prior to the start of the meeting, there is a balanced level of engagement from everyone attending, and action items are clearly defined and owned prior to adjourning.

    When should a professional meeting facilitator be used?

    A meeting facilitator is most beneficial when teams need to tackle high-stakes, complex, or important issues, or when participants may be difficult to control.

    However, when the group’s leader assumes the role of facilitator in these meetings, trouble can follow. It is virtually impossible for the leader to be neutral on content issues, which is a prime requisite for an effective facilitator. When group leaders facilitate their own meetings, they often cross the line into control and advocacy for their point(s) of view. In turn, this will shut down participation from others. Drifting from the agenda, lack of balanced participation, and running overtime are additional problems that can plague these meetings. Separating the leader and facilitator roles will help ensure that at least one person is focused on group process issues, managing the agenda, and keeping people involved.

    A professional meeting facilitator can help members of a group get to know each other, learn to cooperate, and work issues together in real time. Having a skilled facilitator run a meeting will also help direct the energy and thoughts of the members to the task at hand so they can move forward in difficult or stagnant times. Such meetings might include retreats, brainstorming exercises, strategic planning and problem-solving sessions.

    Why is meeting facilitation important?

    Meeting facilitation has become a more important communication skill in recent times. Many organizations have restructured in an attempt to involve more employees in the operations and decision-making of the company, and thus organizations are relying more heavily on the input of individual employees in a wide variety of decisions. By the same token, professionals in many areas are increasingly being asked to work as members of cross-functional groups. Effective and engaging facilitation has become a critical and required skill for coordinating the ideas and contributions of diverse sets of people within any company. Facilitators play an essential role in these meetings by encouraging teamwork, driving decisions, and maximizing the overall organizational effectiveness of today’s companies.

    The role of the facilitator

    In summary, a professional meeting facilitator is an unbiased discussion leader who will guide the meeting and keep it focused. While he or she should be familiar with your market or topic of discussion, they are not content experts and should not be positioned as such. He or she will not make decisions for the group, but will suggest ways that will help the group to move forward. Prior to the meeting, the facilitator will work with team’s leader to develop the agenda, identify goals, determine the most effective decision-making process (e.g. consensus vs. majority vote), and evaluate the success of the meeting.

    F

    Could a Book About Your Company be Worth $1.7 Billion? Building Value Through Publishing
    "Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A) to purchase Clayton Homes for $12.50 in cash per share. Deal worth $1.7 Billion."From an article in the Knoxville News Sentinel -- a University of Tennessee professor sent Warren Buffett the self-published autobiography of James Clayton as a gift. Less than 14 days after receiving the self-published book, Buffett contacted CEO Kevin Clayton, (James's son). After only three conversations, Buffett was expressing his interest in purchasing Clayton Homes. Another short two weeks later, the deal was in place.--- The Ultimate Calling Card ---How do you get the word out about your company -- in a way that someone will listen? How do you let your clients and investors know that you and your company are truly e
    advocacy for their point(s) of view. In turn, this will shut down participation from others. Drifting from the agenda, lack of balanced participation, and running overtime are additional problems that can plague these meetings. Separating the leader and facilitator roles will help ensure that at least one person is focused on group process issues, managing the agenda, and keeping people involved.

    A professional meeting facilitator can help members of a group get to know each other, learn to cooperate, and work issues together in real time. Having a skilled facilitator run a meeting will also help direct the energy and thoughts of the members to the task at hand so they can move forward in difficult or stagnant times. Such meetings might include retreats, brainstorming exercises, strategic planning and problem-solving sessions.

    Why is meeting facilitation important?

    Meeting facilitation has become a more important communication skill in recent times. Many organizations have restructured in an attempt to involve more employees in the operations and decision-making of the company, and thus organizations are relying more heavily on the input of individual employees in a wide variety of decisions. By the same token, professionals in many areas are increasingly being asked to work as members of cross-functional groups. Effective and engaging facilitation has become a critical and required skill for coordinating the ideas and contributions of diverse sets of people within any company. Facilitators play an essential role in these meetings by encouraging teamwork, driving decisions, and maximizing the overall organizational effectiveness of today’s companies.

    The role of the facilitator

    In summary, a professional meeting facilitator is an unbiased discussion leader who will guide the meeting and keep it focused. While he or she should be familiar with your market or topic of discussion, they are not content experts and should not be positioned as such. He or she will not make decisions for the group, but will suggest ways that will help the group to move forward. Prior to the meeting, the facilitator will work with team’s leader to develop the agenda, identify goals, determine the most effective decision-making process (e.g. consensus vs. majority vote), and evaluate the success of the meeting.

    F

    Jobs - Tips for Applying for a Job
    Applying for a JobThere are four general methods of applying for a job including:(1) mailing your resume,(2) emailing your resume,(3) faxing your resume, and(4) hand delivering your resume.Mailing Your ResumeSome companies prefer that you mail your resume. For this type of approach, it is best to include a cover letter with your resume. The cover letter is a basic letter that describes the position that you are interested in and a few details of your qualifications and skills. It is basically your lead in to your resume. Before writing your cover letter, you should know whom the letter is to be addressed to. You never want to begin a cover letter with “Dear Sir or Madame” or “To whom it may Concern.” It shows that you
    s, strategic planning and problem-solving sessions.

    Why is meeting facilitation important?

    Meeting facilitation has become a more important communication skill in recent times. Many organizations have restructured in an attempt to involve more employees in the operations and decision-making of the company, and thus organizations are relying more heavily on the input of individual employees in a wide variety of decisions. By the same token, professionals in many areas are increasingly being asked to work as members of cross-functional groups. Effective and engaging facilitation has become a critical and required skill for coordinating the ideas and contributions of diverse sets of people within any company. Facilitators play an essential role in these meetings by encouraging teamwork, driving decisions, and maximizing the overall organizational effectiveness of today’s companies.

    The role of the facilitator

    In summary, a professional meeting facilitator is an unbiased discussion leader who will guide the meeting and keep it focused. While he or she should be familiar with your market or topic of discussion, they are not content experts and should not be positioned as such. He or she will not make decisions for the group, but will suggest ways that will help the group to move forward. Prior to the meeting, the facilitator will work with team’s leader to develop the agenda, identify goals, determine the most effective decision-making process (e.g. consensus vs. majority vote), and evaluate the success of the meeting.

    F

    First Job is the Worst Job
    After spending months looking for first post-college job, many recent grads settle for a job they really don’t want. It’s common for new grads to feel trapped in their first job and many stick around longer than they should. Most twenty-somethings stay at their jobs because of credit card debts, student loan bills or just to appease their parents. However, recent studies and some first job advice may give help to these miserable entry-level hires.Many new career hopefuls stay at their jobs because of fear that there isn’t anywhere else to go. With financial burdens faced by most real world newcomers, losing a consistent paycheck is more threatening then prolonging unhappiness. According to “More New Grads Find Job Mobility Is Limited,” an article from CollegeJournal.com, s
    couraging teamwork, driving decisions, and maximizing the overall organizational effectiveness of today’s companies.

    The role of the facilitator

    In summary, a professional meeting facilitator is an unbiased discussion leader who will guide the meeting and keep it focused. While he or she should be familiar with your market or topic of discussion, they are not content experts and should not be positioned as such. He or she will not make decisions for the group, but will suggest ways that will help the group to move forward. Prior to the meeting, the facilitator will work with team’s leader to develop the agenda, identify goals, determine the most effective decision-making process (e.g. consensus vs. majority vote), and evaluate the success of the meeting.

    Facilitators:

    * Remind the group of the meeting’s objectives
    * Set ground rules for behavior and interaction
    * Establish a safe environment in which participants feel comfortable contributing ideas
    * Ensure a balanced discussion by helping shy members come forward with contributions and limiting input from members with more overbearing personalities
    * Use active-listening techniques and paraphrase contributions to confirm understanding, making sure the group heard them
    * Keep track of time
    * Record agreements reached
    * Track issues and assign action items

    Facilitators do not:

    * Play the role of a content expert (although they should be familiar with the topic)
    * Advocate particular opinions or take sides
    * Offer their own opinion or try to persuade others
    * Let the group unconsciously shy away from difficult issues

    Facilitation in Action:

    Improving the PRD process:

    Aspect wanted to strengthen the teamwork between product managers and product marketers and help them get to the “next level” of operational effectiveness – specifically in the development and ownership of Product Requirements and Market Requirements Documents. Mike Gospe facilitated a series of meetings and workshops to help the team brainstorm on process improvements and agree on an action plan that mapped to the road map.

    Listening to the voice of the customer

    Citrix runs several customer focus groups and advisory sessions every year. While using product managers to run the technical sessions, Citrix wanted help to ensure that the business drivers and customer priorities were not overshadowed. Mike Gospe helped Citrix meld an agenda that balanced their business and technical objectives. In addition, he augmented their staff by facilitating a series of customer breakout sessions.

    Brainstorming at its best

    In preparing for next year’s strategic plan, Tumbleweed asked Mike Gospe to facilitate a brainstorming session with a team comprised of both executives and board members. Through a half-day session, industry trends were identified, synthesized, and prioritized according to a relevance criterion. The insights gathered were a key component in driving the development of Tumbleweed’s 2007 business plan.

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