Meetings are held at all hours of the day and evening -- in conference rooms, lunch rooms, office space, coffee shop -- by conference call, video broadcast or face to face conversation. They are held for a variety of reasons, the point of which is to share information among participants.   

Last week's edition of Etiquette Awareness featured tips on how to participate in a meeting in a professional manner: 9 Tips For Meeting Etiquette. 

This week, I would like to focus on the responsibilities of the meeting leader. As with many things, the tone starts at the "top" ... in this case, the person in charge of the meeting.   

1.  Create an agenda and distribute it to all participants (preferably in advance.)

2.  Begin and end on time.

3.  Follow the agenda! If the discussion goes off topic, suggest that unrelated matters be addressed at the end of the meeting, if time permits, or be added to the agenda of the next meeting.  

4.  Don't allow someone to dominate the conversation. Let that person know he has been heard; suggest you follow up with him after the meeting. Repeat as necessary.  

5.  Summarize points covered at end of meeting, including action items, resolutions and issues that remain open.  

6.  Thank all participants for their attendance and participation. 

Meetings are a great place to share your knowledge and let people know that you have something to offer.  

Running a successful meeting requires planning and attention to detail.  A properly managed and well-organized meeting not only enables the meeting to run more smoothly, it is of greater benefit to everyone.  

By displaying the proper etiquette and consideration for others when participating in a meeting, either as an attendee or a facilitator, you are sending the message that you are a professional.