What Is a Meeting Leader?

The meeting leader is key in making meetings and teams successful. In some
meetings, the leader is already the department head, the team leader, or the person
appointed by senior management to lead an initiative. These employees were
selected for their leadership role because of their perceived skills as a manager or
leader.

Responsibilities of the Meeting Leader

Here are some of the key responsibilities of a meeting leader.

 The meeting leader determines the goal, task, or purpose that must be
accomplished in the meeting. This is often an assignment or part of the
leader’s job description.
 The meeting leader decides whether a meeting is the best possible method
for obtaining the goal or purpose or attaining the desired outcome. Answer the
question: is a meeting needed?
 The meeting leader determines who needs to help plan the meeting.
 The meeting leader decides upon the agenda for the meeting. (In ongoing
meetings, this task is accomplished at the end of the current meeting.)
 •The meeting agenda should be short, specific, and action-oriented.
 •You can ask the team members to give one-on-one feedback on these items.
 The meeting leader determines the date, time, and location most frequently
using a shared organizational calendar.
 The meeting leader puts together meeting pre-work such as reading, financial
information, history, related team meeting minutes, and so forth.
 The meeting leader invites participants and distributes assignments and pre-
work allowing as much time as possible so participants come prepared to the
meeting.
 The meeting leader ensures that the meeting has a recorder or minute taker
to document the proceedings and any commitments, action items, or
decisions. She also appoints a timekeeper when necessary for the orderly
conduct of a meeting.
 The meeting leader may use an icebreaker to warm up the participants and
create an environment in which the meeting participants are comfortable
communicating with each other and exchanging ideas and information.
 The meeting leader arrives early and leads the meeting by keeping it on track
and involving all participants so each feels that their presence was essential
at the meeting. This ensures their participation in the next meeting
 The meeting leader spices up the company meeting so that participants don't
feel dull and bored. Whether using icebreakers, humor, or fun examples, no
meeting should end without a laugh.
 The meeting leader ensures that the next steps and action items are assigned
and handled.
 The meeting leader debriefs the meeting and plans the agenda for the next
meeting.
 The meeting leader follows up with participants between meetings to make
sure that action items are on track and to offer assistance and/or resources if
the volunteer is experiencing problems.
 If you're hosting a meeting, occasionally make time in the end for short
discussions about what went well during the meeting and what didn't .
 Lastly, try to keep meetings under an half hour and avoid unnecessary and
lengthy topic.