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Hi everyone,

can someone provide some feedback on the meet ups you are holding? I'm thinking of setting something up, but was wondering how you guys are conducting your meetings.

Do you pick a different topic every time? How does each member contribute? What does everyone get out of the meetings? What makes them come back?

Thank you :)
Anja

wendii's picture
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Hi Anja

I think all the meetups are different. The London one is relatively strucutured: we pick a different topic to practise each time and then we have a general discussion at the end addressing what's come out of the practice and any particular problems anyone has at the time.

The Altanta meetup I went to is much more relaxed, and more of a discussion - still around management and Manager Tools - but less structured than we have.

I can't speak for anyone else but what I get out of meetups is the chance to meet other people who are interested in management and their careers (my friends, love them though I do, aren't like that), and the chance to talk to other people who understand what I mean by 1-2-1s, feedback, the trinity and so on.

We are putting together some materials for Meetups, but I suggest you post, find some people to meet with and see what works for your group.

Wendii

tlhausmann's picture
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[quote="aniinl"]I'm thinking of setting something up, but was wondering how you guys are conducting your meetings.

Do you pick a different topic every time? [/quote]

Thus far the Milwaukee meetups are informal. I prepare discussion topic for each meetup to keep the conversation going.

bflynn's picture

As the moderator, you should probably have a topic (or three or four) up your sleeve to guide talk toward if conversation lags. Or, just invite at least one high-D ;)

For scheduling, evenings work the best about 6pm. I believe Tues or Wed works nicely since the Monday emergencies are over and Friday deadlines aren't a priority yet. Once you have regular attendees, check with them to see if the time can be improved.

Place - somewhere a little quiet works well, but don't arrange a room. Again, Tues or Wed plays well into that. I'd go with a more informal / bar type setting, but not specifically at the bar. Those who don't want to order food feel pressured if you get a full blown table.

Most important - just do it. It really doesn't take that much to start it off and keep it going.

Brian

aniinl's picture

Thank you all,
yeah, I will just do it!

Anja :)

tlhausmann's picture
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[quote="bflynn"]
Most important - just do it. It really doesn't take that much to start it off and keep it going.
[/quote]

All it takes is time...and it is time well spent. What amazes me is how each person at an MT meetup willingly shares the impact of Manager-Tools podcasts. Whether at home or at work, the MT materials are making a difference.