A simple, practical guide for leading a productive town hall meeting

If done well, they can create clarity and answer some of the most pressing concerns employees have, especially when questions are gathered ahead of time.

In 1633, Dorchester, Massachusetts, was the home of the nation’s first town hall. According to the town’s court records, residents met every Monday at 8 a.m. to adjudicate disputes and adopt “such orders as may contribute to the generally good as foresaid.” The decisions taken during these sessions were regarded as binding on all men, “without gainsaying or protest,” and were respected as law.