Service Unit Manager Best Practices

• Start, progress and end on time, no matter what
• Provide a printed agenda and stick to it
• Have a parking lot and allow time at the end for Q & A
• Don't talk down to participants
• Don't read to participants
• Give everyone a chance to express opinions
• Lead by example
• Use a "train conductor" to help keep meetings on track.
• Allow for social time, perhaps during the first 15 mintues of a meeting or at seperate events.

Communicating Consistently

• Return emails and phone calls as quickly as possible
• Have a Service Unit website, wiki, newsletter, or email group
• Always use the same template for your meeting agenda and post it ahead of time
• Stay away from jargon, especially when new comers are present
• When jargon is necessary be sure to explain what it means
• Solicit and welcome feedback; communication is a two way street!
• Provide meeting minutes for those that missed the meeting.
• Communicate important information 7 times, in 7 different ways.  Use email, online, and in person methods since everyone learns and communicates differently.

Team Building

• Recruit veteran leaders to metor newer ones
• Provide snacks and coffee/tea at meetings
• Use ice breakers to start the meetings so leaders can get to know each other
• Have everyone wear nametags
• Use small group discussion or breakout groups at meetings so leaders can share and help each other problem solve
• Have fun together!  You can build relationships through "Girl's (or Leader's) Night Out" type of events.
• Offer Short-n-Snappy's at your meetings.  Ask experienced leaders or local trainers to do them for you.
• Make sure everyone has a chance to voice their opinion.

For more tips and tricks, check out the Service Unit Manager Tutorial, Chapter 3 - Service Unit Meeting Logistics.

Or, submit your best practices on any topic, here.