Musings from the CU Suite

Written by Anthony Demangone

Yes, I'm writing about meetings again.  Here's a great post from a great blog (Leadership Freak is always a good read) that gives 8 tips to create great meetings. 

I encourage you to consume the article whenever you can.  I did want to highlight one item, however. The post raises an interesting point that I often overlook. Get the order right!  Here's a snippet:

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Leave inconsequential items for the end. Deal with big items at the beginning. I’m tempted to check off a few quick agenda items before digging into the meat of meetings. It’s seductive but ineffective and inefficient.

Don’t prioritize insignificant agenda items by placing them first.

Starting with insignificant issues raises their significance. Trivial items frequently take longer than expected. Additionally, you’re wasting your best moments on least important issues.

Better to rush through less consequential items – at the end – than substantive issues.

The top item on your agenda should be:

1. Biggest problem.
2. Best opportunity.
3. Grandest goal.
4. Greatest issue.

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That's a great point.  I can't tell you how many times I've been in a meeting where the biggest issue was listed in the middle or at the end of the agenda. Inevitably, it tends to squeeze the time for that item, and the discussion suffers as a result. 

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NAFCU Members - be sure to take advantage of our member call-in. It takes place on Wednesday, June 14th, from 3:30 until we stop talking.  (It usually runs an hour.)  It is free for NAFCU members, and it is a great way to get a crash-course and update on the important issues facing credit unions.  It's free, but you have to sign up. Sort of like the lottery...you gotta play to win.  Something like that, anyway.

OK, its been a long week.  And June is almost upon us.  With that in mind, here's a recent shot of Kate and Briggs.  They are carrying on a treasured family tradition - enjoying a Rocket Pop on a warm, sunny day. 

Have a great, Rocket-Pop-filled weekend, guys.