How to stay productive in a group chat

Group chats are abroad, and in Russia an increasingly common means of communication. They allow you to discuss plans and strategies without having flied to all employees in one city, saving money on phone calls. At the same time, have group chats and its pitfalls, do not avoid that you lose many of the advantages of this means of communication. What you should pay attention to?

Define the agenda and purpose. It is first necessary to clearly define the agenda and objectives of the chat. It is important to send an email to all members of the group prior to the interview and read as it issues for discussion. This, incidentally, allows participants to be better prepared. The company Six Apart, when conducting Pronet Conference Call, often in advance according to the range of topics. Stick to this rule and you.

Avoid chatter. Group chats have a tendency, as well as in real meetings begin with a talk about about anything. It's human nature. However, if you have a moderator, he can open a conversation greeting (if necessary) and start the discussion on the first item.

Ask participants to stick to the agenda. Moderator should ask the participants adhere to the points stipulated by the order of the chat. There is nothing wrong with a joke, but it is important that the discussion did not fall in the offtopic.

Celebrate who you are talking. As a group conversation speak simultaneously, in response to previous comments, it is not always clear who to whom appeals. Therefore it is necessary to mark a person that is accessed (for example, @ Sergei), or theme, which are responsible ( "the re: revenue" or "reply to: ...").

Set a time limit. In humans, there may be other things in addition to chat. So set a limit (1 hour, 90 minutes, etc.) and try to stick with it. When the time will come to an end it is advisable to report it (left 15 minutes!) And ask participants to complete the agenda. When the time expires, the conversation should be complete and, if necessary, appoint another time that will suit everyone.

But at the end of the chat should make a list of next steps, identify those responsible for these acts, set deadlines, etc.