Recently, I attended a meeting where some business was to be discussed and some decisions made. I left the meeting super frustrated. Because the person in charge had presided at the meeting instead of leading it. Toward the end of the meeting, a gentlemen spoke up and expressed some concern about a situation, stated some inaccurate information and suggested some actions based on that inaccurate information. The person in charge of the meeting thanked him for his comments and adjourned the meeting. There was nothing said about his inaccurate information and there was no opportunity given for a response or rebuttal and his call for action was ignored.
So, what is the difference in presiding and leading? There is a proper and right time for both. For some reason, I have been asked to preside at some retirement events for colleagues and at some informational programs. A "Presider" generally introduces each part of the program and guides the event. For example, at a retirement event a while back there were several speakers who spoke about our friend who was retiring. My job was to give some information and announcements about the evening in general and to introduce each speaker. At the end of the evening I introduced the honoree and his spouse for their closing comments of thanks. That is a general example of what a "Presider" does most of the time.
EXCEPT, there is one occasional task of a "Presider" that is not pleasant. It is when for the overall benefit of the event, the "Presider" must call time on a speaker. A couple of years ago I was presiding over a professional program when a missionary who was sharing the most inspiring, gut-wrenching testimony I have ever heard began to go way over his allotted time. Everyone present was mesmerized. But, I began to realize that he was way over his time and no where near an end. I got a text from the back of the room saying it was time for somebody to do something. I was the somebody. The problem was there were several seminars scheduled immediately to follow and several people were there to lead. I had to do what I had to do. I stepped up and stood there for a moment and when he paused, I said, "We have to wrap up to get to some other scheduled things, but please finish your thought and let's take a couple of quick questions."
So, what is the difference in leading a meeting? A "Leader" is one who is responsible for seeing that the purpose of the meeting is carried out. Let's say it is a committee meeting. For what purpose has the committee met? Are there decisions to be made? Are there possible actions to take? Are there responsibilities to be assigned? A "Leader" is to see that those things happen.
Here are a few Guidelines for LEADING a meeting:
-I am a huge fanatic about having a starting and ending time. Everyone knowing there is a time limit helps speed the content. Sometimes, it helps to say something like, "We have about ten minutes left before our ending time, so where do we need to go from here?"
-When there is discussion of a proposal, idea, or just brainstorming, it is helpful when the "Leader" will periodically sum up what has been said. And, move on when people are simply re-hashing the same points.
-When information is given, if there are countering views or ideas, a "Leader" will give both sides a fair opportunity to present their thoughts.
-When inaccurate information is given, a "Leader" will try to see that accurate information is provided.
-A "Leader" will attempt to make even disagreement civil and respectful.
-If someone calls for an action, that request will be responded to in some way. Some examples: "Let's you and I visit after this and clarify your request." Or, "I will plan on our taking this p at our next meeting in some way or other."
-At the end of the meeting, assignments will be made that need to be made.
Some Questions to Ask:
1. What is the purpose of the meeting?
2. Is what is happening moving us toward achieving the purpose?
3. Will people leave feeling their time and input has been valued?
4. Will everyone present feel they had the opportunity to participate, if they so desired?
If you are leading a meeting, be a "Leader". If you are asked to preside, be a "Presider".....even if it means being the one to call time, if necessary.
Arliss Dickerson's book, ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY, is available at amazon.com.
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