The Effective MEChA Meeting

The Effective MEChA Meeting By: David Molina Co-Founder/CEO, BilingualHire Corporation

What is a MEChA meeting ? “ a MEChA meeting is anywhere, anytime where key people come together to carry out the business of the organization on issues of importance to the group, where key decisions are agreed upon¹, made and carried out . Refer to your bylaws/constitution

What do effective MEChA meetings look like?

What really happens ? Leadership. “ the MEChA meeting lacked direction ” “ we failed to get anything done” “ nothing creative came out of it” “ no one participated” “ people left early – or failed to show” “ no one knew about it. no one cares.”

ONLY hold if absolutely necessary.

Distribute agenda beforehand . Text, email or as an attachment, but send it. Sometimes impossible². Off-the cuff meetings

The day of the meeting have an agenda . Or clear objectives.

Crystal clear objectives. Institute 10-minute rule.

Start precisely on time. Lead by example.

Before the meeting.

Welcome everyone.

Reread the minutes.

Be prepared with any materials or data to provide the group. Ensure key people are there, i.e. those that are reporting.

Stay on time.

During meetings:

State opinions and concerns as your own.

On the agenda, avoid deviations– when in charge be in charge.

Encourage the participation and involvement of everyone present.

Encourage discussion/debate.

End on time.

End on time.

After meetings:

Prepare the minutes. Send out promptly. Use technology.

Follow through with your officers.

Check with your group on tasking status.

Respect peoples time. Otherwise they may not return.

TO be effective , MEChA meetings need to be well planned and executed (officers).

Good meetings bring forth the best in MEChistAs – the best ideas , the best decisions, and the best follow-up (officers).

Not all meetings are good meetings . They don’t just happen, they’re planned and when they do, the MEChA Chapter and the individual participants reap the benefits and return for more meetings.

Recap.