Meeting mania? 7 points to consider.

A friend was lamenting recently the amount of time wasted in meetings. While the use and style of meetings is often culturally bound (both corporate and country culture), the manner in which they are carried out is often less effective than it should be. So here are seven points that I find contribute to more effective meetings. Perhaps it’s time for you to do an audit of your meeting practice?

1) Clarity of purpose

What are we trying to achieve here? Having shared agreement on the purpose and objective of the meeting keeps people on track.

2) Focus on output

What do we need to leave this meeting with to make it a valuable use of our time. Start with the end in mind.

3) Mindful of time.

Who will be the time keeper? Do you have allocated time points – or are you comfortable letting the meeting simply flow?

4) Mindful of process

Do you have a facilitator who will ensure that all voices are heard, draw out the quiet, dampen the dominant & drive the agreed outcome

5) Thoughtful composition

Is everybody who should be here here? Who is here who should not be? What roles will the participants play?

6) Anti-Groupthink

Do you have some-one confident enough to be the dissenting voice. Will your chair actively seek out opposing ideas?

7) Agenda or none?

This relates to first point – an agenda can be restrictive if not aligned to the purpose of the meeting. Some of the best meetings simply agree on the outcome and purpose and allow for emergent conversations.

If this all seems a bit overwhelming – just address the following: What one question could you ask to change the effectiveness of your workplace meetings? I’m willing to bet that simply asking the question will improve your practice.

(and share in the comments of course!)