(By Jim Harper)

"Before everything else, getting ready is the secret of success"
Henry Ford

To prepare is to: "Make ready or qualify, to equip."

Is your staff always ready for the staff meeting like a well-trained soldier? Or do they come dragging in late and eager to leave early? Turn your staff meeting around and it may turn your church or ministry around. Preparing for a staff meeting involves several aspects vital to success and effectiveness.

Preparation:

• Being prepared for the meeting will many times determine the successful outcome.
  
• Make a faith decision in heart and attitude that you will do your part to have a successful meeting.
  
• Know the agenda. (This is the blueprint of the meeting.)
  
• Be prepared to give reports or updates for the department you are over.
  
• Bring your organizer and materials for your presentation and project folders if needed.
  
• Bring problem solving ideas for your department and for others also.
  
• Preparation precedes promotion. If its worth doing, its worth doing 100%.
  
• 100-fold return comes from preparation.

During the Meeting for Attendee and Leader:

• Be dressed with proper attire.
  
• Be on time and in your place at the meeting time.
  
• Know who is leading the meeting and show them due respect.
  
• Be a good listener. Focus on the speaker and what they are saying.
  
• Be supportive, encouraging and enthusiastic when others are giving reports and presenting new ideas.
  
• Don't dominate conversations or interrupt and be sensitive when others want to talk.
  
• Don't be in a mode of attacking, arguing or defending. Take responsibility for your words and actions.
  
• Take notes during the meeting.
  
• When given an assignment avoid reverse-delegation.
  
• Complete each item on the agenda before going to the next.
  
• When giving assignments confirm that person understands completely.
  
• Pass out supporting materials when the related item is being discussed and not before.
  
• If you need to bring up a problem for discussion that is in your department or project have one or more possible solutions ready to present.

If your staff meeting is productive, it is saving you time, money and placing you and your staff on higher levels of efficiency. Get them prepared, build your team and encourage participation. What can you change to be more effective in your staff meetings? A few good adjustments can turn your staff into well-trained soldiers for Christ. Write out a plan for better more productive meetings today!

". . .be prepared and willing to do any upright and honorable work." Titus 3.1

By:
Jim Harper
Missionary/Itinerate Minister
Founder of "Radical Church Growth"

Email:
jhm-acc@cfaith.com

Web site:
www.jimharper.org

U.S. Address:
Jim Harper Ministries
303 East 2nd Street #1032
Skiatook, OK 74070
U.S. phone: (619) 757 9453

We pray that these "Ministry Management Tips" have been a blessing to you and will help you grow your church or ministry. You may forward these to anyone who may benefit from them.

Your feedback and comments are welcomed. We are looking forward to hearing from you!