Sequencing the agenda

A formal agenda schedule is commonly used because it is practical and efficient. However, you may be required to alter the sequence to include specific items such as those which arise from the previous minutes or general business.

There is a variety of approaches to sequencing an agenda, but in any case the order requires careful and logical planning. The approach you take also depends on the purpose of your meeting and how well you know the participants; for example, if part of your purpose is to build team spirit and unite your members, it maybe better to begin with the items that will foster teamwork, then move onto the more difficult and potentially divisive items. It will depend on the mood of participants.

Sometimes you may put items that require minimal discussion at the start of the meeting. Groups often work better when they can move from simple to more complex items in a meeting. However, if you are running out of time and have placed decisions which require a lot of discussion and effort at the end of the agenda, the pressure may cause tempers to flare and hasty, ineffective decisions may be made.

Participants may be fresher at the start of a meeting or after a coffee break. Once you become familiar with your participants' working style, the task of sequencing the items for discussion or action will be easier.

Record these details to help with the organisation of your own meeting.

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