The Difference Between Formal and Informal Meetings
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Sometimes, information has to be shared with a department or company in general in a fairly unidirectional way which requires formal meetings. The formal meetings typically have an agenda that is fixed and has predefined roles for participants as well as a strict timeline and protocols. They are designed to boost productivity and facilitate effective decision-making and the outcomes are documented in complete meeting minutes.
Typically, the person who takes notes during these kinds of meetings follows a very strict format and uses formal language in their minutes-taking. It may also be that there are rules regarding who is allowed to speak and when. These meetings may be held in a meeting space but are usually conducted via video conference.
In informal meetings the atmosphere tends to be more relaxed, with participants feeling free to express their ideas and opinions. This creates a more collaborative environment and is especially advantageous for teams that work from home or distributed geographically.
It is important for attendees to be completely engaged in both informal and formal meetings so that they are able to understand the perspectives and information discussed. You can accomplish this by engaging methods like Q&A sessions or group discussions. Diverse perspectives can provide more creative solutions and more rich discussions. No matter the tone or format of the meeting, it’s essential to record key points and action items. This ensures accountability, and serves as a document for future decisions and actions.
