réunions

Réunions are gatherings of people organized to share information, make decisions, or coordinate actions within an organization or group. They serve purposes such as informing participants, resolving issues, planning work, or monitoring progress. Meetings occur in various contexts, from internal staff gatherings to board sessions and project reviews, and can be conducted in person or via video or telephone conference.

Types and formats: Meetings range from formal board sessions to informal stand-ups, and from full-group assemblies to small committee or project meetings. They may be scheduled regularly or convened on an ad hoc basis. With the rise of remote work, virtual meetings have become common, sometimes supplemented by asynchronous communication.

Planning and agenda: A clear objective is defined in advance, and an ordre du jour is circulated with time estimates for each item. The meeting typically designates a leader (président or animateur), a secretary to record minutes, and participants who prepare relevant documents.

Structure and records: Most meetings begin with approval of the previous minutes (procès-verbal), followed by discussions, decision points, and the assignment of action items with responsibilities and deadlines. Minutes are prepared and distributed after the meeting to ensure follow-through.

Effectiveness and etiquette: The value of a réunion depends on clear objectives, preparation, and disciplined execution. Common challenges include unclear goals, overlong agendas, and domination by a few voices. Best practices include strict timing, focused discussion, inclusive participation, and prompt distribution of minutes.

Technology and culture: In multinational or multilingual contexts, consider time zones, language, and cultural norms; use appropriate tools to support participation and accessibility.