Why Have A Meeting Agenda

• A meeting agenda has three distinct purposes.
  • It acts as a reference against which to prepare for a meeting.
  • It is a script for the meeting and a mechanism for control and order.
  • It represents a standard by which the meeting can be judged a success or failure.

• He who writes the agenda, controls the agenda.
  • He who controls the agenda controls the meeting.
    • The agenda is often treated with reverence by those in attendance.
    • Controlling the agenda prevent others from:
      • Taking control of the meeting.
      • Holding up progress.

• When attending a meeting, ask for an agenda in advance.
  • An unseen agenda could leave you vulnerable to an issue for which you are not prepared.

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© 2004 John Michael Pierobon

Notes