Meetings that Achieve Outcomes!
A simple means to remember how to run effective meetings is POP.

POP Model - Purpose/Outcome/Process

Purpose - What is the purpose of the meeting?
Outcomes - What are the outcomes we are seeking?
Process - What is the process we will use? (How are we going to run the meeting?

The following more detailed guidelines for running meetings adhere to the basic POP concept. 

1. START ON TIME
2. OUTLINE PURPOSE CLEARLY
   • Identify clearly the problem to be addressed
   • Define constraints and limitations
   • Establish task(s) of meeting
3. ENSURE EFFECTIVE DISCUSSION
   • Share information
   • Introduce topic(s) for discussion
   • Draw out opinions, viewpoints and experiences
   • Develop group interest and involvement
   • Keep discussion within stated task(s)
4. FOCUS - ESTABLISH CONCLUSIONS
   • Recognise degrees of feeling and changes of opinion
   • Summarise points of agreement and disagreement
   • State intermediate conclusions as they are reached
   • Check understanding and acceptance
5. ACT - GAIN ACCEPTANCE AND COMMITMENT
   • Summarise and state conclusion(s) clearly
   • Gain commitment to action plan
   • Develop a concrete action plan that specifies who will do what by when
   • Put it in writing and distribute it to all team members as soon as possible
   • Make sure that everybody understands their responsibilities
6. END ON TIME!

Last updated 19  September, 2001; ©The University of Queensland , 1997-2000