What Leaders Must Do Before Concluding a Meeting for Optimal Impact

What should the leader do just before closing a meeting?

Closing a meeting effectively is a crucial skill for any leader. It is not just about ending the session but also about leaving a lasting impression and ensuring that the meeting’s objectives are achieved. Here are some essential steps that a leader should take just before closing a meeting.

Summarize the Key Points

First and foremost, the leader should summarize the key points discussed during the meeting. This helps to reinforce the main takeaways and ensures that everyone leaves with a clear understanding of what was accomplished. Summarizing also gives the team a sense of closure and accomplishment.

Reiterate the Action Items

Before wrapping up, the leader should reiterate the action items that were assigned during the meeting. This includes specifying the responsible person, the deadline, and any necessary resources. By doing so, the leader ensures that everyone is on the same page regarding the next steps.

Encourage Feedback

Closing a meeting is also an opportunity for the leader to encourage feedback from the team. This can be done by asking if anyone has any questions or concerns that were not addressed during the meeting. Feedback is valuable for the leader to understand the team’s perspective and to make improvements for future meetings.

Thank Everyone

A simple “thank you” goes a long way. The leader should express gratitude to the team for their time, contributions, and participation. This acknowledgment helps to foster a positive and collaborative environment.

Announce the Next Meeting

It is important for the leader to announce the date and time of the next meeting. This helps the team stay organized and prepared for the upcoming discussions. Be sure to provide enough notice so that everyone can adjust their schedules accordingly.

End with a Motivational Note

Lastly, the leader should end the meeting with a motivational note. This can be a reminder of the team’s goals, a positive quote, or a simple encouragement to keep up the good work. A motivational note leaves the team feeling inspired and ready to tackle the challenges ahead.

In conclusion, what a leader should do just before closing a meeting involves summarizing key points, reiterating action items, encouraging feedback, expressing gratitude, announcing the next meeting, and ending with a motivational note. By following these steps, a leader can ensure that the meeting concludes effectively and leaves a positive impact on the team.