Issue 27(1)
Energizing
Staff Meetings. (2006).
Sheila Eller and John F. Eller. Thousand
Oaks, California: Corwin Press (SAGE Publications), 180 pp. $27.95.
ISBN # 1-4129-2433-2.
Review
by: BJ Hausman
Dean
of Student Success
Florida
Community
College at Jacksonville
Jacksonville
, FL
Heads bobbing,
side conversations and lack of participation are just some of
the easy to spot signs of a meeting in need of pizzazz. Whether
as a meeting participant or, even worse, as a meeting leader,
we have all experienced these occurrences. Energizing Staff
Meetings was written as a practical guide to understanding
the problems and finding the solutions to meeting doldrums. Each
chapter examines an ineffective aspect of a meeting and provides
a number of suggested approaches or specific exercises to address
the problem. Sheila and John Eller have used their experiences
in educational institutions to frame their suggestions in ways
that are easy to relate to our own uses.
One of the
strengths of the book is the manner in which the authors examine
each meeting aspect, describe how problems might hamper the effectiveness
of a meeting and then provide numerous approaches to positively
impact a meeting. Many of the strategies are in the form of exercises
designed for a particular outcome. Some are tried and true approaches
such as the use of music or different twists on the game of bingo.
The descriptions serve as a reminder of how you might apply this
strategy for specific outcomes. Other strategies are unique and
new and provide very interesting approaches. One of my favorites
was "See the Ripple Effects," in which a group contemplates the
effects a decision may have on different levels or populations.
This strategy clearly helps a group evaluate a decision on many
levels. Another exercise called "Snowball Fight" is one I plan
to use at an upcoming retreat. The book is filled with fun and
engaging activities. It is very easy to read and see the applicability
of the content.
One caveat needs to be mentioned
and underscored. In order to use this information effectively,
the meeting planner must know the audience well before selecting
and using any of the activities outlined in this book. Selecting
the wrong activity could easily have a negative effect on a meeting's
productivity and indeed place future meetings in jeopardy. If
meeting participants believe the activity is a bad use of their
time or inappropriate for their professional level, the result
could be disastrous. In order for the suggested activities to
be effective, they must be relevant to the task at hand. We all
know the value of laughter and creativity when used in the right
context. Being mindful on the nature of the audience is a critical
part in the effective use of this book.
Energizing Staff Meetings
is a book I will keep on my office shelf for ready reference.
Even though I have used many of the activities outlined in the
book, it provided a welcome refresher course for me as I contemplate
my next meeting. I recommend this book to anyone who plans meetings.
In fact, I can think of a few colleagues who could benefit from
borrowing my copy and will suggest it if I can think of a tactful
way to do it. Sheila and John, do you have any suggestions?
