Sometimes information needs to be communicated to a particular department or the entire company in a fairly unidirectional way This requires formal meetings. Formal meetings usually have a fixed agenda with predefined roles for attendees, as well as the strictest timeline and procedures. They are designed to increase efficiency and make it easier to make effective decision-making, with outcomes documented in comprehensive meetings minutes.
The person who is responsible for taking minutes during these meetings typically adheres to a strict procedure and makes use of formal language in their minutes. There could also be a defined set of guidelines regarding who is allowed to speak when and for the length of time. The meetings may be held in a meeting space but are usually carried out via video conference.
In informal meetings participants are more comfortable expressing their opinions and thoughts. This can lead to the spirit of collaboration and is particularly advantageous for teams that work at home or scattered geographically.
It is essential for attendees to be fully involved in both formal and informal meetings so that they are able to understand the shared information and perspectives that are discussed. You can accomplish this by engaging methods such as Q&A sessions or group discussions. Diverse views can provide more creative solutions and more engaging discussions. It is important to record important points and action items regardless of the format or the tone of the meeting. This will ensure accountability, and is a useful basis for future decisions or actions.