April 4, 2026
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Characteristics of people who really know how to run an effective meeting

Decisive leaders are respected and admired. If a meeting goes round and round without a decision it reflects poorly on the person running the meeting. When you see a meeting that’s run really well it’s inspiring, and much wisdom can be learned from watching.

On the flip, if the meetings you attend are not run well you may pick up bad habits thinking that what you see is acceptable.

In a nutshell, here’s a guide to the main differences between how an experienced, effective Chair runs a meeting compared to a Chair who has a bit to learn.

 

Effective Chair – Listens a lot and says very little

Bit to learn – Constantly gives their opinion

 

 

Effective Chair – Speaks after everyone else has spoken

Bit to learn – Always speaks first

 

 

Effective Chair – First words on any issue are “what do you think?”

Bit to learn – First words on any issue are “I think we should…”

 

 

Effective Chair – See themselves as a facilitator of the discussion

Bit to learn – See themselves as “the one in charge”

 

Effective Chair – Gives their opinion last

Bit to learn – Gives their opinion first

 

 

Effective Chair – At the end of every item, asks the minute taker to read out what’s been recorded so there’s agreement on the information written

Bit to learn – Never asks the minute taker to read out the recorded information

  Effective Chair – Clarifies at every point the exact meaning and wording of any resolution, and the action required Bit to learn – The chair says they’ll sort out the details later Effective Chair – Allows the minutes to be sent directly to participants Bit to learn – Insists they “check” minutes before anyone sees them Effective Chair – Reads body language accurately and knows the way the meeting will go before any vote is taken Bit to learn – Isn’t aware of the body language happening which can give clues to the likely outcome Effective Chair – Focuses on the process of the meeting Bit to learn – Focuses on the content of the discussion Effective Chair – Acknowledges and manages conflict Bit to learn – Pretends conflict is not there and makes no effort to manage it Effective Chair – Sensitively draws out the wisdom, experience and knowledge of quieter people Bit to learn – Ignores people who do not speak up Effective Chair – Has a sense of humour and runs meetings in a friendly atmosphere Bit to learn – Chairs meetings in a dictatorial style Effective Chair – Understands the more agreement there is, the more successful the resulting action Bit to learn – Does not understand “their way” may not work, as they see themselves as “the boss”  Effective Chair – Manages a skilful blend of people, tasks and results Bit to learn – Tends to focus on the result they want regardless of the consequences Effective Chair – Knows how to spot distractions for what they are, and is able to get the meeting back on track quickly and respectfully Bit to learn – Is unaware and/or unable to rein in ramblers and distractors Effective Chair – Focuses on the 3GN philosophy – the Greatest Good for the Greatest Number Bit to learn – Thinks success is getting “their way” Effective Chair – Uses a blend of formal and informal meeting procedures for a more efficient and effective meeting Bit to learn – Does not use any meeting procedures at all to manage the group
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