Invite a facilitator/scribe to an important management meeting

As part of a large-scale review of itself, a law department I am working with appointed a team of about ten lawyers to conduct the study. At a two-day offsite, the team brought in an in-house facilitator. That person made sure the meeting room had the requisite toys to play with, easels and markers, tape supplies, and technology.

The facilitator also took notes of the discussion on the easels and made sure the group stayed on topic and did not dwell too long on any particular subject.

If you law department embarks on a serious introspection or other project, consider the benefits of having a neutral personal alongside who can expedite the processes of meetings.