Suggestions For Your First Group Meeting
CIS 422/522 Software Methodologies
Anthony Hornof - 9/28/2010

Running the Meeting

• Set a start time and an end time. Try to stick to them.
• Assign specific amounts of time to each agenda item, and stick to the schedule.
• Agree upon a moderator/facilitator, perhaps a different one for each meeting. This person's will run the meeting, keeping a close eye on the agenda and the the time allocated to each item.
• Establish turn-taking protocols.
• Prompt for input, and then wait for response. Ask people what they think, and how they feel about decisions that are made.
• Be patient while others are forming their thoughts before speaking.

Agenda Items

• Start the meeting by writing down a list of agenda items that everyone can see.
• Introduce yourselves and get to know each other a bit.
• Exchange email addresses, and phone numbers including appropriate times to be called.
• Figure out good days and times for people to meet regularly. Set regular meeting times.
• Take turns letting each person present their strengths, how they can best contribute, and what role(s) they would like.
• Make a list of roles (i.e. from the project assignment).
• Assign near-term tasks with clear deadlines and specific deliverables. Set up a schedule of specific deliverables, assigned to individuals, with dates attached. Decide how the group will confirm that each deadline has been met.
• Pick a group name.