How to Make Meetings Work (Paperback)

~ (Author) "We are a meeting society-a world made up of small groups that come together to share information, plan, solve problems, criticize or praise, make new..." (more)
Key Phrases: animal syndrome, group memory, horizontal group, Interaction Method, Robert's Rules of Order, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Tested on more than 10,000 participants, the Interaction Method of conducting meetings is proven to increase productivity by up to 15 percent. Demonstrating how time and people can be better used in meetings, this thorough manual is indispensable for any organization--from large corporations to the PTA. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Jove; 1 edition (September 15, 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0515090484
• ISBN-13: 978-0515090482
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 3.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #541,304 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Dated, but useful, January 17, 1998

By	Keith Toussaint ([e-mail]) "toussaint" (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Make Meetings Work! (Paperback)

Although this book is quite dated (originally published in 1976 and not updated for its recent printing) it is a comprehensive look at what it takes to plan, execute and evaluate effective meetings. It pushes this `Interaction Method" which puts heavy emphasis on the role of a Facilitator. The facilitator's job is to "shepherd" the meeting to allow for everyone's points of view to be heard, ensure that the meeting progresses towards its stated ends and steps in to assist in resolving conflicts that may arise. Implicit in this role is that the Facilitator does not express his or her opinion regarding any matters that may arise during the course of the meeting. I found the following chapters most useful for me: Ch. 11 What Type of Meeting Are You Going to Hold? This was great for me in that it called out the general "types" of which are to be had and talks about how to decide which type your organization is engaged in and how to get all participants to buy in to what is to be addressed. The general types are: Problem solving, Decision-making, Planning, Reporting/Presenting, and Feedback. I also liked chapter 15: How to put it all together: The Agenda. It's the simplest thing, but it is so often overlooked, it's scary. How about calling out the specific ends the body wishes to achieve and including that as part of the Agenda. Being able to know, going in, what we wish to accomplish in this meeting must have a beneficial effect on participants who heretofore have regarded meetings as nothing more than a nuisance that must be tolerated. It also requires the person calling the meeting to determine proactively what the meeting is FOR. This should result in the reduction of the "just because" meetings. While it is a bit too long (could have been a third of the size) and it is dated, I did find it a quick, useful read.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The best source for facilitation technique., October 1, 1998

By	LTC J. G. Woyansky (Colonial Heighs, VA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've used this book as a constant reference over the last six years while a facilitator for BPR and Change Management projects. Although it may lack a comprehensive array of practical exercies and techniques for all situations that arise in meetings or during facilitated focus group sessions, it is by far the best reference. Once you read, re-read, and fully understand the basics that Doyle and Straus are presenting, you can modify and add your own experience and methods.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars why don't they teach this in business school?, January 25, 2001

By A Customer

of all the things that we learn in school, how to more effectively manage a meeting is not one of them, but should be. i wish i had read this many years ago. everyone who joins our team receives a copy in their first week.