Lauded for its accessible format and humorous writing style, Effective Meetings: Improving Group Decision Making, offers practical strategies for running effective meetings by highlighting the processes involved in decision making and the ways individuals contribute to making better quality decisions as a group.

The Third Edition of this brief text begins with guidelines for effective decision making, then covers topics that include member recruitment, meeting preparation, agenda building, and the positions and roles required for effective meeting outcomes. Subsequent chapters deal with electronic meeting formats, the chair and participants, and the various types of meeting groups such as boards, advisory groups, and staff groups.

Author John E. Tropman teaches at the University of Michigan in the School of Social Work, the Stephen M. Ross School of Business, and the Executive Education Programs. Dr. Tropman also works with for-profit, nonprofit, and government entities in a consultative capacity.

The Member

The member

After Armondo finished talking to Marcia, he thought, “Boy, I hope she accepts. This job of recruitment is getting me down.” In the meantime, across town, the phone was ringing in the home of Sally Smith-Wesson. As she answered, she recognized the voice of Peter Pound, executive of the Community Foundation.

“Sally,” Peter said, speaking quickly, “we here at the Community Foundation want you to join our board. There really is not much to it, just a meeting or two a quarter, and the meetings are short! Do say yes!”

Sally had not really had much to do with the Community Foundation. She was worried, though, that Peter's fast-talking, high-pressure tactics would make her uncomfortable. “I will have to get back to you, Peter,” ...

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