Making Meetings Work: How to Get Started, Get Going, and Get It Done

Are you attending more meetings and getting less done?

Even with our busy schedules, meetings can be a productive use of time when we follow some simple guidelines. Based on her work with thousands of educators, meetings expert Ann Delehant′s indispensable guide is packed with tools, strategies, tips, and ideas that fit the unique context of schools, learning communities, and instructional leaders.

Offering step-by-step planning processes designed for principals, teacher leaders, staff developers, and trainers, this book provides guidelines for determining whether to have a meeting, helping groups work together to make decisions, and developing action plans. Demonstrating how effective meetings can sustain commitment and support, this excellent facilitation handbook covers:

• Planning a meeting and building the agenda
• Considering innovative alternatives to traditional meetings
• Using energizers and other ideas for engaging and motivating groups
• Determining "who" gets to make "what" decisions
• Establishing norms and procedures for efficient use of time

School leaders, school improvement and grade-level teams, and school boards will find this a dynamic resource to help groups work toward collaboration and change the environment and school community culture for the better!

Ann M. Delehant is a caring educator and committed training and development professional. She is an experienced facilitator and staff developer, with deep school and district experience. Ann currently works as an independent consultant, serving as a facilitator, coach, trainer, and change agent. She addresses a variety of topics, including systems change, collaborative teamwork, coaching, facilitation skills, effective staff development practices, data/accountability, and long-range planning. She is frequently asked to serve as an external facilitator, assisting teams as they develop strategic work plans, solve problems, resolve conflicts, and make collaborative decisions. Ann recently completed training to develop skills as a life coach and is a founding member of Coaching School Results, Inc.

is a caring educator and committed training and development professional. She is an experienced facilitator and staff developer, with deep school and district experience. Ann currently works as an independent consultant, serving as a facilitator, coach, trainer, and change agent. She addresses a variety of topics, including systems change, collaborative teamwork, coaching, facilitation skills, effective staff development practices, data/accountability, and long-range planning. She is frequently asked to serve as an external facilitator, assisting teams as they develop strategic work plans, solve problems, resolve conflicts, and make collaborative decisions. Ann recently completed training to develop skills as a life coach and is a founding member of Coaching School Results, Inc.

Ann is an associate of W. P. Dolan and Associates, a management and labor consulting firm that specializes in deep systemic change and collaborative work. In this role, she works with Dr. W. Patrick Dolan, supporting board of education, district, and union leaders who are committed to long-term reform initiatives. Ann has notable state and national affiliations. She is a senior consultant for and served as a Trustee of the National Staff Development Council (NSDC) and was a founding member of the New York State Staff Development Council. Ann received the NSDC Distinguished Service Award in 1996.