Have you ever had that sinking feeling as you stepped into the boardroom for yet another meeting. They can be dull can’t they, half of the meeting reflecting on that last, the other half panicing about what little action has taken place, looming deadlines and targets, and yet somehow there is always someone dragging their feet in the decision process (usually the person who frequently misses attending them!)
So what can you do to prevent this waste of your time?
Here are some top tips to make sure you get the best from each meeting you attend:
Consider:
- Why – is the meeting necessary, don’t just attend for the sake of being at the meeting!
- What – is the purpose of the meeting, can you achieve something as a result?
- What – benefits are to be achieved or expected?
- How – might you still achieve the above without this meeting?
- The timing of the meeting needs to make the most effective use of the attendees time and not distract them from more important tasks.
- Only people who are needed should attend
- Meetings held towards the end of the day will acheive the following:
- Delegates will have a fresh knowledge of what’s happening
- They have an incentive to be brief – life goes on after work!
- Everyone can think overnight and return next day to the challenge refreshed
- Use an agenda. and stick to the topics on it
- Insist people come prepared
- Start on time
- Ensure all decisions are noted, what will be done by who and when.
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