When you think of formal gatherings, you might imagine a formal meeting with an agenda that is strictly adhered to with a designated speaker and an established procedure. A person might take notes in a formal format and follow a specific structure. For informal meetings, these guidelines may not be in place.
The discussion topic will determine the mood and the way people interact during the meeting, regardless of whether they are voting or chatting. For instance, a gathering with a sole topic of loose ends and old business would be a good opportunity to tackle important issues that were previously unfinished, and talk about how these issues will impact future work. A meeting that includes an agenda item that focuses on new business plans could be a good forum for discussing these new initiatives, and assessing how they relate to the overall business strategy.
It is essential for the participants to feel comfortable expressing their opinions and not be concerned about what they might be viewed as. If you notice that someone is hesitant to speak, consider widening the discussion by asking them to speak on an issue that was raised by a member of the group. This will keep the discussion on the ideas themselves rather than a clash of personalities. As the meeting progresses it is essential to ensure that the discussion remains on-topic and a quorum of members remains present. It is also helpful to follow up with participants following the meeting and request feedback, since this will https://boardroomrecords.com/why-public-companies-need-a-board-portal/ increase the importance of their involvement in the outcome of the meeting.