Introduction to RDG Meetings

2. What's a RDG Meeting?

The RDG (Really Dang Good) label seems a bit subjective and "squishy", however, you can easily put some metrics on that help better quantify what I mean by it, both quantitative (hard numbers) and qualitative (more subjective reports). Let's go over some of those, using the TEECO format:

Timely

Meetings start and end on time (or early). Each meeting segment maximizes its use of time not by taking up more time, but by being efficient with the time it has. Role holders are aware of how much time they are allotted and stick to it, though adjust as needed if more time is needed in other segments. Members show up to the meeting on time.

Educational

Prepared speeches advance the speakers toward educational goals. Role holders earn credit toward educational goals where possible. Evaluations provide insightful, actionable feedback. The meeting theme teaches valuable tips or lessons when applicable.

Entertaining

Speeches and table topics are interesting and engaging to the audience. The meeting theme provides a chance for interactivity.

Challenging

The word of the day and table topics questions make us step just outside our usual routines to be creative on the fly. Evaluators give opportunities for growth for the speakers. Educational moments provide skills to learn to grow our talents.

Organized

The meeting roles are set ahead of time; there is no scrambling at the meeting to fill roles. Transitions from role to role are smooth. All meeting role holders are prepared ahead of time to execute their role. Materials such as cheat sheets, worksheets, checklists, ballots, and evaluation forms are all provided prior to the meeting start.

Some extra elements to RDG meetings are:

• Consistency. The above isn't done just once (e.g. for a Golden Gavel attempt) but every time.
• Building excellence over time. It's important to do the above well, find gaps in performance, and take steps to improve the quality of the meeting.
• Variety. It's important to have a break from the normal "PIE"-style (Prepared speeches, Impromptu speaking, Evaluations) meetings on a regular basis to interrupt monotony and keep things fresh.

The end result of this is you have meetings that are:

• Efficient: They pack in value for each minute spent at them.
  
• Effective: People learn and reinforce real world skills and build valuable connections.
  
• Entertaining & Engaging: Members have fun and the meeting has excitement, whether that's humor or other experiences. 
  
• Executed Well: Roles are filled, planned for, and done well; materials are made available, etc.