For the following questions / scenarios / challenges, please address them from two different perspectives:

1) as the meeting facilitator

and

2) as a meeting participant

Topic 1:

What is the best way to ensure there are “solutions and/or actionable steps after a meeting”?

Related: “Meetings that repeat the same information without clear decisions or action items, which can delay workflow improvements and pull staff away from patient-facing responsibilities.”

Related: “ones that don't have goals to accomplish, requirement of a directive but it is the same information provided in multiple meetings.”

Related:

"’Parking Lots’" and lack of tasked follow-up with deadlines:” how can I change this to actionable steps?

Topic 2:

Is there a way to avoid “leaders in other departments wanting to meet about things that really don't affect my department”?

Related: “Being brought into discussions that are not relevant to my work and the idea that it is a group awareness.”

Related: "Meetings that are department-related but not really WIC-related. Our Parent Agency has a strong opinion ontrying to integrate WIC into their department development, not understanding that WIC does not belong tothem and that this is a Federal, state-managed program."

Topic 3:

“I’m a part of monthly meetings without pre-established agendas.” Is there a way to get out of these or, if not, a way to get the facilitator to create and disseminate an agenda?

Related: “The lack of agenda with topics and decisions.”

Related: “Rarely do I show up to a meeting where the purpose is clear, outcomes are defined, and/or the necessary inputs are ready and prepared.”

Related: "not knowing what to discuss at meetings and not having time to plan a productive meeting but needing to have a meeting (regular meetings are required by policy), fun ice breakers/staff development for a wide range of ages and job duties and education gaps"

Topic 4:

“Some meetings only need key players in them, so action can be taken.  However, many meetings have multiple team members from each department.” How can I change/improve this duplicated effort?

Topic 5:

If I’m not in charge, how can I shift meetings that I attend “to have more solutions and less complaining”?

Related: “Meetings that are just used to complain versus bringing solutions.”

Related: How can I deal with “people getting off topic or bringing in other things that don't pertain to that meeting”?

Topic 6:

“I usually only need to be involved in a small portion of the meeting, but I stay in attendance throughout the entirety.” Is there a diplomatic way for me to attend only “my” portion?