This Quick Quiz provides a general idea of your approach to leading a meeting. Two different styles are described at the end of the quiz. For each item below, distribute 3 points between choices (A) and (B). Use whole numbers, not 1.5.

Example: If you feel that (A) is almost always true of you, give 3 points to (A) and none to (B).

If (A) is often true, but (B) is also sometimes true, give 2 points to (A) and 1 point to (B).

1. A. I start meetings on time.

B. I start meetings once everyone has arrived.

2. A. At the beginning of a meeting, I quickly get to the most important agenda items.

B. At the beginning of a meeting, I give people time to get acquainted or chat about recent events.

3. A. I plan the agenda before the meeting and stick to it.

B. I let the agenda develop during the meeting based on people’s needs and concerns.

4. A. I keep the amount of discussion under control during the meeting.

B. I allow people the time they need to freely share thoughts and ideas.

5. A. I clearly define each issue to be discussed.

B. I ask group members to elaborate on issues as they arise.

6. A. When people get off the subject, I quickly bring the discussion back to the agenda.

B. I let the discussion go where people feel they need to take it.

7. A. I assume that people who are quiet do not wish to participate.

B. I encourage people who are quiet to join the discussion.

8. A. I try to keep conflicts to a minimum during meetings.

B. I prefer free expression of disagreements and differences.

9. A. I like for meetings to be focused and businesslike.

B. I like for people to joke and share humorous stories.

10. A. I encourage the group to reach a decision even if some members disagree.

B. I prefer to postpone action until group members have reached a consensus.

§ Total for (A) responses:

0 15 30

Low Task Focus High Task Focus

§ Total for (B) responses:

0 15 30

Low Member Focus High Member Focus

Meeting Leading Styles

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In general, Task-focused Leaders concentrate on the work to be done, while Member-focused Leaders pay attention to people in the group. If you have a high score (20-30) in one category, then you may be likely to use that style most of the time. A moderate score (10-20) in both categories may mean that you tend to be focused on tasks in some situations and members in others.

The most effective meeting leaders balance the focus on tasks and members, shifting their style as needed.

Strengths and weaknesses of each meeting leading style are summarized below.

STRENGTHS

WEAKNESSES

Task-focused Leaders

§ Clearly define the goals of the meeting.

§ Provide a specific agenda for discussion.

§ Make efficient use of time.

§ Keep the group focused on the topic.

§ Prevent conflicts from getting out of hand.

§ Reach decisions without undue delay.

§ May not develop a “team feeling” in the group.

§ May not find out about members’ current concerns.

§ May cut off discussion before all relevant information has been shared.

§ May not hear all useful ideas and opinions.

§ May find after the meeting that some members do not support a decision.

Member-focused Leaders

§ Create a sense of rapport in the group.

§ Allow members to get to know each other.

§ Insure that current concerns are addressed.

§ Encourage expression of new ideas.

§ Try to get input from everyone.

§ Promote consensus in the group.

§ May inadvertently encourage members to arrive late.

§ May waste time on irrelevant topics.

§ May frustrate members with long, unfocused meetings.

§ May allow conflicts to get out of hand.

§ May delay decision-making unnecessarily.

Helpful links related to this topic on Your Office Coach:

§ “Leading Productive Meetings” at http://yourofficecoach.com/Topics/leading_a_productive_meeting.htm

§ “Making Successful Presentations” at http://yourofficecoach.com/Topics/making_successful_presentations.htm

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