Hands up: who likes attending meetings?
… tumbleweed.
Last month I posted one of the most popular blogs on this website, 10 Ways To Demotivate Teachers. When I shared a video version on our Facebook page, the commentary was enlightening!
For the past 2 or 3 years, I’ve often asked myself, ‘how can school leaders make meetings purposeful?’ Teachers spend so much time in meetings, there is little time left during the day, to get things done!
In response to my video, one reader said:
“[TT] is so right about meetings, they really do need to have clear action points and be well lead and be meaningful. As a Head of Department I was always so disappointed in so many of my departmental meetings in the way that staff refused to take so many vital … things seriously. All they wanted to do was laugh about the kids and [senior management team] and gossip about staff.”
Take It Outside:
Another reader then said:
Walking meetings might be more suited to those that work in corporate offices, but it can work for teachers too depending on your school site and location. Obviously the purpose and content will dictate whether you venture out or not, but certainly for some meetings they don’t always have to be held inside.
Call To Arms
For the term ahead, why not:
- Arrange your next line-management meeting outside.
- Have the meeting standing up (or walking around the school premises)
- Share 3 simple agenda items in advance.
- Be clear on actions, responsibility and ‘by when’.
- Enjoy the change of scenery …
You can watch the ‘motivational’ video – as quoted in the opening paragraph – in full, below. (See item 6 for meetings)
So many great ideas here!
Thank you.