Effective communication during the GeoSafe project meetings hinges on well- defined practices. GeoSafe emphasises the importance of remembering the human aspect in online communication, respecting the time of others by avoiding scheduling meetings during non-working hours, setting clear boundaries for work-life balance, choosing appropriate communication methods (asynchronous or synchronous), and establishing expectations for engagement during online meetings to enhance overall professionalism and effectiveness in virtual interactions.
When planning a meeting, it is crucial to consider holidays, religious, and cultural festivities, as well as school breaks to ensure the availability and participation of all intended attendees. Taking these factors into account supports more inclusive and accommodating schedules, minimising potential conflicts, and fostering a higher likelihood of successful and well-attended meetings. Before the meeting, consider crafting a succinct agenda, outlining discussion points and objectives. Emphasise punctuality to ensure that meetings start and end promptly. During the meeting, all participants are encouraged to maintain a professional demeanour, fostering respectful and active communication, while discouraging disruptions. Use clear and precise language to enhance understanding, encouraging open dialogue while respecting diverse perspectives.
GeoSafe encourages meetings to be documented by keeping minutes and promptly distributing them for reference. GeoSafe will promote a culture of constructive feedback on meeting processes, regularly assessing the efficacy of communication strategies. This will be achieved by establishing clear expectations, fomenting Open Discussion Forums, and establishing guidelines of communication and behaviour as established by this document. Furthermore, we will seek individual feedback with team members to discuss their individual perspectives on meeting effectiveness, gather more detailed feedback, and address any specific concerns they may have. These guidelines prioritise clarity, professionalism, and efficient communication, underscoring the importance of precise vocabulary, and maintaining good conduct throughout all project meetings.