What to Include (8 sections)
The formatting of a team agenda may vary depending on the nature of the business being conducted. Below are some of the most commonly used items and topics of discussion. Items can be added, changed, or omitted at the discretion of the meeting organizer.
2. Opening
The team leader can call the meeting into order upon its set start time. This item on the agenda serves as a formal introduction to the meeting and its general purposes. Many individuals tasked with running a meeting use this allocated time to overview the agenda with all attendees.
If and when necessary, the person in charge of meeting minutes can officially call the meeting into order and begin documenting minutes.
4. Notable Updates and Announcements
All important updates and announcements that have come to light since a previous meeting can be shared during this allocated time on the agenda. Usually, the team leader can make known company-specific reports of interest to all team members in attendance– whether that be general company-related news or particular toward a select department/branch.
5. Upcoming Priorities
One of the main purposes of team meetings, especially recurring ones, is to keep all team members on track toward achieving their goals. Therefore, discussing priorities as issues arise is a key factor in maintaining effective and productive meetings. This item on the agenda can be reserved to assign new tasks, amend existing tasks or projects, and re-focus team members depending on the circumstances surrounding the business at hand.
6. Round-Robin Discussion
It is of the utmost importance to open the floor for updates, questions, and related comments or concerns from all team members in attendance. A practical way to do this involves each team member putting forth their input on the matters through a roundtable-like forum. This is often referred to as a “round-robin,” “roundtable, ” or “popcorn” discussion.
Having an open forum on the agenda will encourage attendees to reserve their questions, updates, and concerns until the allocated time for open discussion. Setting aside time on the agenda for everyone to speak will also encourage team members to provide insightful feedback while creating a consensus of opinions regarding the affairs being discussed.
8. Adjournment
Effective team leaders often use this closing item to review everything that was discussed and underscore the team’s next steps. Ending with a call to action can compel team members to initiate newly assigned tasks upon finalizing the meeting.
Meeting minutes can be approved by attendees upon the adjournment of the meeting, if necessary.
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