How is the agenda different from the meeting ? The agenda is the timeline of the meeting and outlines the sequence of events during the meeting so guests can prepare in advance. The meeting agenda is usually a plan of what is to happen at the meeting. The structure and scenario of what is being discussed, etc.
The agenda is a catalog of sequences of session activities in the order in which they must be completed, starting with a call to order and ending with a break. It serves as a plan or outline of what will happen. The person or organization organizing the meeting thinks about many things, such as: schedule, venue, guests, organization of the meeting, etc. Therefore, the agenda is drawn up before the start of the meeting. Typically, it includes one or more specific business entities to be valued.
The Difference Between the Agenda and Meeting
The agenda is the schedule of the meeting and determines the sequence of events during the meeting so that guests can prepare in advance. The main difference is that the agenda is “what to do at the meeting”, what is required “before” the meeting starts, and the minutes is “after” the meeting ends.
Agenda – the agenda is deliberately maintained during the meeting. This is a list of things to do or discuss during the meeting. The agenda is necessary for the methodical completion of the business of the meeting in the appropriate order.
Here are some features of the agenda:
- the agenda refers to the topics that will be discussed at the meeting;
- it is prepared before the session;
- read at the beginning of the session;
- it does not require the approval of a group of participants;
- as a rule, it is included in the notepad;
- it contains points for discussion;
- it is served by a higher or competent body of the organization;
- signed and dated by the secretary or chairman of the meeting;
- the agenda is the schedule of the meeting and determines the sequence of events during the meeting so that guests can prepare in advance;
- the meeting agenda is usually a blueprint of what should happen at the meeting. structure and scenario discussed, etc.
Any upcoming official meeting requires an agenda. It is customary in all organizations to circulate the agenda to all members along with the invitation to the meeting. There is an order in which matters are dealt with and discussed during the session, and the agenda for the session clearly mentions this order.
Problematic Issues of the Meeting and the Agenda
Meetings should not be a waste of time, but bring added value for everyone involved. But first of all, the reason for the meeting and the question of whether the meeting is necessary must be clarified. Analyze your regular meetings. Ask yourself which ones add real value and which ones can be eliminated. The Review Reasons for Meetings template will help you with this.
A tight schedule is the basis for successful meetings. If your meetings are prone to excessive talking, digressions, and interruptions, and if you don’t stick to the ending, then you should schedule meetings as short as possible to stay on the agenda and keep everyone present focused on the topic. Use the Meeting Scheduling template to help you use meeting time wisely and clearly identify when and when the meeting ends. Be sure to strictly adhere to the meeting times. Also avoid disruptions and use ideas from all participants for more results in less time.
Typical problems in meetings are disruptions or distractions. Participants are typing on their smartphones or looking out the window because over time they become unfocused. But those who talk a lot and are silent can also disrupt the course and progress of the meeting. The former are usually about themselves instead of the topic, the latter must first be activated by the moderator so that their opinion is not neglected.
Therefore, in preparation for the meeting, it is important to properly prepare the agenda and find possible problems during the meetings, as well as appropriate countermeasures that you can take during the meeting.