This annotated bibliography covers works discussed or used in the Best Practices Training.

Streibel, B. (2002) Manager’s guide to effective meetings. Blacklick, OH, USA: McGraw-Hill.

Streibel’s book covers many of the concepts covered in the workshop, including the thumb-time saver, the parking lot, and WAIT. Although geared for managers, this short book includes tips that are helpful for any voting board seeking to achieve a better group dynamic.

Orlikoff, J. E., & Totten, M. K. (2001). How to run effective board meetings. Trustee, 54(4), 12.

This short article in Trustee magazine pinpoints the reasons that many board meetings go adrift: members do not follow the ground rules established by the facilitator and drift into pointless communication. The article also offers ways to encourage full participation.

Lee, S. (2007). Meeting miscues. Sales & Service Excellence, 7(8), 16

Geared to busy sales executives, this article identifies 10 ways that meetings go awry, including not following the agenda, not assigning deadlines for action items, and not taking detailed notes on the meeting.

Ribbink, K. (2002). Run a meeting to fast-track your career. Harvard Management Communication Letter, 5(10), 3.

Although this article is written primarily for managers, it offers a comprehensive view of what goes into a speedy meeting: one where votes are not rushed nor dragged out, but handled efficiently and decisively.

Tanne, D.  (1995) The power of talk: Who gets heard and why. Harvard Business Review. 138-148.

Written by the author of Women are from Venus, Men are from Mars, this article explores how different communication styles (including dominant styles) influence who the real decision makers are in a meeting. Read it to become aware of your style and how it can better mesh with those of your fellow board members.