Meeting to meet about the meeting

Too often in the workplace, time is wasted in pointless meetings. Employees either look at them as a way to get out of work or tune out because the meeting is managed poorly. To ensure a successful meeting, use the following success guide to determine the quality of your next meeting. Ask the following questions:{{more}}

Is the meeting really necessary? Before calling a meeting, figure out the purpose of the meeting. Since a meeting halts work temporarily, explore other avenues to accomplish the meeting’s goal, such as an office memo.

Do you have an anticipated outcome for the meeting?  Once it is determined that the meeting is needed, decide on an end result. Is the meeting being held to make a decision, obtain opinions that will help make a decision or is it to provide information?

Have an agenda.  The agenda will serve as a roadmap to a successful meeting. Stick to it.  If possible, circulate the agenda ahead of time, so attendees know what to expect and can give their input.

Have a respected facilitator chair the meeting.  Some meetings are usually too long and boring. Choose a facilitator who can move along the agenda items without getting stuck on one item or sidetracked into unrelated discussions. This person should also be responsible for maintaining order.

Start the meeting on time.  Each time a meeting starts late, the company/organization loses money.  Set a new standard and attempt to start on time.

Send out minutes.  Designate someone other than the meeting chair to take minutes. Recap the most important details and send out to all attendees. Outline specific next steps so the success of the meeting can be measured.

Karen Hinds is “The Workplace Success Expert.” For a FREE SPECIAL REPORT on Avoiding Career Killers in the Workplace, send an email to info@workplacesuccess.com
Visit online at www.workplacesuccess.com