Hey, we can’t spend our entire day blogging or hiding behind technology. Sometimes we have to actually see people and interact with them the “old-fashioned way”– on a human-to- human level. Handshakes, smiles, eye contact, small talk and professional clothes. What a concept! Even though technology can do wonders with connecting people, meetings are still an important facet of business.
Meetings can be productive or painful. Exorbitant amounts of time are wasted in meetings that are poorly planned, managed and executed. Many people see meetings as the equivalent of a sleeping pill.
Here are 7 tips to help your meetings run more efficiently. Notice they are all based on communication.
1. Plan an agenda and stick to it. Everyone should know the purpose before they enter the room.
2. Schedule 30-minute meetings (ok, maximum 60 if it’s a big project). If it runs longer than an hour, you may not be properly prepared. Also, refer to #4.
3. Invite only the people who are directly involved with the project.
4. Stay on message. Appoint someone as the “moderator” to keep everyone on track and focused.
5. Assign “next steps” with deadlines to everyone so they have clear direction once the meeting concludes.
6. Agree on a convenient time for the next session before you leave.
7. Send a follow-up e-mail or written communication to all attendee’s summarizing the main points and “next steps.”
People will appreciate good use of their time when you are focused and productive. Stephen Sondheim said, “Everything depends upon execution; having just a vision is no solution.”
(Photo Credit: Phil Campbell)
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