There are dozens of meetings that take place every day in organizations. There are informal spur-of-the-moment meetings. There are weekly staff update meetings. There are monthly executive meetings. And there are board meetings, training meetings, strategic planning retreats, meetings with clients, staff and suppliers.
Most meetings generally take too long, cover too little, end without specific plans, objectives or outcomes and waste time, money and resources. I believe that "meeting" is an important business function. Meetings get people together to share information, ideas, problems, activities and feelings.
There are a few key elements to consider when planning or holding a productive meeting that you want to end with a specific outcome, objective met, decision made or plan implemented.
Carefully consider who should attend the meeting and why. What will they add or what do they need to take away.
Let people know the agenda in advance, so they can come prepared.
Follow the agenda.
Stick to the allotted time.
Keep the meeting moving.
Stay focused in the present.
Constructively manage the different personalities attending the meeting.
Have closure on items or establish a specific time to meet again to address these tabled issues.
Hold those people who leave with assigned tasks or activities accountable
Tim Connor, CSP
USA: 800-222-9070 (voice) 800-222-9071 (fax)
International: 704-895-1230 (voice) 704-895-1231 (fax)
e-mail: [email protected] web site: www.timconnor.com
