​Many people have learned to dislike meetings. When a meeting is disorganized, has no agenda, is poorly facilitated, or is disrupted by inappropriate behavior from attendees, individuals can develop an aversion to all meetings. It is the responsibility of the team leader and facilitator to plan ahead for a clear, targeted agenda, effective materials, prepared attendees, and significant content. This article by Grace L. Duffy and John W. Moran was originally published in the Public Health Foundation (PHF) 2011 online book Applications and Tools for Creating and Sustaining Healthy Teams. It provides guidance and several tools for helping make meetings and other team communications productive. This tool is a supplement to the Public Health Quality Improvement Encyclopedia. Highlights include:

• Should a Meeting be Held at All?
• Planning the Meeting
• Starting the Meeting on Time
• Ending the Meeting on Time

About the Public Health Quality Improvement Encyclopedia
Ingredients for Effective Meetings and Team Communication is one of many supplements to the 2012 Public Health Quality Improvement Encyclopedia, a practical guide to using 75 tools for quality improvement practitioners in public health organizations. The book was distributed to all state and local health departments, and may be purchased through PHF's Online Store.