We here at Parthenon recently completed our company-wide quarterly meeting. In these, we review our performance (financial and otherwise) for the previous quarter and set goals for the next quarter. One of the many purposes of the meeting is collaborating to establish our corporate top priority for the upcoming quarter.

Working on a dream

Having come to agreement on priority #1, we are now in the midst of achieving this new initiative, and I must say, we’re making great progress. I’ve been tasked with helping keep the group on track to ensure we are successful in hitting the goal by the end of this quarter.

Our group status meetings have reminded me of the value of being deliberate and following a plan. Hard work alone will not guarantee a successful outcome. As talented as we may be, we still need structure around our efforts. This may seem like common sense, but in the midst of working on an exciting new project it can be too easy to forget.

Planning, progress & props

To that end, we use tactics in our weekly status meetings that let us know we’re making progress. Below are few of them:

1. Start and end meetings on time. We’re all busy. Be respectful of others time and they’ll be more willing to participate.
2. Have an agenda. It might be fun to have a free form discussion or meet as a group just to talk, but it can be inefficient and unproductive. Have a plan and follow it; Otherwise the course of the meeting will be random and so will the results.
3. Share the mic. Ensure that everyone has an opportunity to participate and contribute to the discussion. That promotes engagement and brings the best ideas to light. No one wants to be subjected to a 45-minute monologue.
4. Make assignments and expectations clear. Confirm that individuals and teams are clear on their assignments, due dates and deliverables. It may seem tedious, but it improves results and accountability.
5. Break large tasks into smaller measurable ones. Why? Your ultimate goal might seem too grand – or even unachievable – at the start. Breaking it into smaller chunks makes it more manageable. Plus, what gets measured gets done.
6. Monitor progress. Check in frequently and keep the momentum up. Make sure everyone has the necessary resources to achieve their goals.
7. Encourage and celebrate success. And don’t forget to have some fun along the way.
   

Big thanks

A tip of the hat and a round of applause to Andy Bailey, Mandy Burage and the entire team at Petra Coach for facilitating our quarterly meetings and patiently helping us distill our individual priorities into a single goal. We couldn’t do it as effectively without your guidance. You are appreciated!