* a chairperson or Master of Ceremonies to move topics along without rushing presenters, or allowing them to ramble.

* general logistics before hand, such as restroom locations, break times, and telephone or walk-in interruptions.

* a priority system so that most important topics or pressing matters are covered first.

3. Assign particular responsibilities. Be sure to select responsible people to carry out responsibilities of your meeting. Also be sure:

* to match topics and tasks with competent presenters.

* to give them clear, complete, and specific instructions including assigned time to complete their presentation.

* to gain concurrence of your key participants.

* to have a clock in clear view of presenters.

* to start on time, regardless. (This is perhaps most important aspect of running a successful meeting.)

4. Establish a positive meeting environment. Take time to plan your meeting. Perhaps most important aspect to consider is environment where you will hold your meeting. To insure its success, be sure you:

* create an environment that is conducive to effective communication.

* set start and ending times that are conducive to all.

* develop environment around a theme.

* consider objective of meeting when selecting room.

* consider decorating room, if this is warranted.

* arrange and test audio-visual support before hand.

* arrange seating of participants and attendees, depending on estimated number of attendees.

* arrange seating plan for optimal effect.

5. Plan all activities. Take time to plan and plan again all events, people, places, and things related to objective and theme of meeting. Be sure to:

* gather input where relevant.

* take notes where necessary.

* prepare adequate quantities of handouts.

* prepare to post adequately announcement of meeting along with its agenda, times, participants, and any other relevant information.

* prepare backup materials.

* prepare post-meeting evaluations, where necessary, and summary handouts.

Remember: When you maximize your potential, every one wins. When you don't, we all lose.

© Etienne A. Gibbs, MSW

Principle 4. Have Personal Integrity:

* Be honest with yourself and everyone around you.

* Be fair to best of your ability.

* Say and do only those things of which you can be proud.

* Understand that mistakes will be made and learn from them.

* Let others know in as positive a way as possible when their performance or behavior is unacceptable, inappropriate, unhealthy, or unproductive.

Principle 5. Love All Children (and Child in All of Us):

* Respect and protect each child from harm of any kind.

* Direct all efforts to providing a stimulating, exciting, fun-filled, learning environment.

Principle 6. Value Parents and Family (Starting with Your Own):

* Focus on building close interpersonal relationships involving caring, respect, trust, kindness, and responsibility.

* Develop parenting skills, quality time, and bonding with other parents.

* Give recognition for hard work, effort, and accomplishments.

Principle 7. Strive for Agency Unification:

* Live agency's unifying principles as well as your own.

* Promote loyalty within agency by word and action.

* Assist in sharing of ideas and joint implementation through teamwork and group goal-setting.

* Establish buddy systems to facilitate success.

Well, managers, supervisors, parents, and teachers, what do you think? I'm sure that you'll agree with me that these principles are as appropriate in boardroom and workroom as they are in classroom.

Remember: When you maximize your potential, everyone wins. When you don't, we all lose.