Running an effective meeting

A meeting should produce benefits and not waste time. Meetings are costly and should only be convened when needed. Ask:
- Why - is the meeting necessary?
- What - is it's purpose?
- What - benefits are expected?
- How - would you achieve these without this meeting?
The timing of the meeting should make the best use of peoples time and not distract them from more important tasks.
Note: Just before the end of the day people:
- Have a fresh knowledge of what's happening
- Have an incentive to be brief
- Can think overnight and return next day to the challenge refreshed
Events are a useful trigger for meetings, ensuring time is invested in resolving problems
Only people who are needed should attend
Use an agenda. A 'to do list'
Think about the order, does it make best use of peoples time? Can someone make a contribution and then leave
Insist people come prepared
Start on time
Stick to the subject
Ensure a note is made of decisions, what will be done by who and when. A white or rolling board can be used to focus attention and ensure everyone understands what has been decided
These notes form the basis for the minutes of the meeting and agenda for the next (if needed). Circulate these at the end of the meeting or ASAP

Visit our home page for further management training articles