Here is the second part of the procedure for moderating working groups. 10 prohibitions for the moderation of meetings.

Blog post series on moderation

Business moderation – 10 prohibitions for moderating meetings

1. do not be late for the moderation!

The ban is simple and would also be appropriate as a requirement for moderation. This is open to debate, but not the requirement itself: Just don't be late as a moderator!

Either arrive on time for the moderation or earlier than necessary, whether you are acting as an external or internal moderator or as the chair of the meeting. Rather too early than too late.

Moderation requires generous time planning.

2. reading ban in meetings

There is no sensible reason for reading or being read to in meetings. Neither quietly nor out loud. Meetings are arranged in order to exchange ideas - face to face - and to keep each other informed. Written information can be provided by e-mail or online document. This does not require a meeting. The ban on reading is significantly supported by the requirement that prepared people come to the meeting who can make (oral) contributions.

If it is unavoidable that texts are important for decisions and cannot be distributed and read in advance, then postpone the start of the meeting and set up a study hall a – where everyone can read the text in peace. Then we can get started.

3. no monologues in the moderation (ban on epics)

There is no need for epic powerpoints or speeches by individuals. 25 minutes should provide a good guideline here. But even if the speeches, presentations and impulse contributions take up less time, several contributions should not be strung together. As a moderator, structure the overall meeting with breaks, short discussions or comments.

4. ban on pointless moderation (ban on holding out)

This might be irritating for some people. But in the world of business and work, meetings are seen as annoying and annoying, which only distract from work. What's more, they are largely superfluous and achieve absolutely nothing. Or to put it another way: They are put up with out of a false work ethic instead of being cancelled. Good moderation will stop a meeting if the participants are not prepared, no one is on time or are constantly digressing or restless. Perhaps it is the Protestant work ethic that makes the agony and pain feel like work in the first place. But it hardly helps these days. Meetings should be cancelled if they don't achieve anything.

5. ban on boring others with the presentation (PowerPoint ban)

When people come together to exchange ideas, there's no need for a PowerPoint presentation. If the information is important, it should be sent in advance.

6. prohibition of taking others by surprise with the moderation

Moderation thrives on transparency and clarity. As a moderator, you should therefore refrain from "preparing" decisions by surprise. Time pressure is normal, but procedural pressure should not be built up tactically in order to achieve a certain decision.  which would probably have turned out differently with a different approach.

7. prohibition of belittling others with moderation

What applies in general also applies specifically to moderation. Do not embarrass anyone and refrain from any endeavour to make your moderation stand out at the expense of others. Sometimes the "temptation" may be great, e.g. with a troublemaker, vapour-chatterer or other nuisance, but resist it. It is never worth it. The price is simply too high.

8th I'm off then ban

Follow-up appointments must be announced well in advance. The moderator must initiate departures and give the person a proper farewell from all others present. Simply leaving is not an option.

Therefore, ask at the beginning about any follow-up appointments for participants and allow transparency for early departures.

9. prohibition to let the end scatter.

Departures are important. This applies to both individuals and the group. At the end of each meeting, the agreements and results reached should be repeated and feedback should be given on the joint working process. What went well? What didn't go so well this time? Tips and suggestions can be mentioned briefly. Meta-communication is particularly helpful and important at the beginning.

10 prohibitions for the moderation of meetings

Prohibitions for moderation

10. prohibition to hold a meeting without moderation.

The tenth prohibition is obvious: do not hold a meeting without a designated moderator. In principle, it is of secondary importance whether the moderation is carried out by an internal or external person. The important thing is that one person takes on the role of process owner and does not have to be involved in the content.