A recent survey of managers determined that they spend upwards of 18 hours per week in meetings and about half that time is wasted. It might be time to do something about this before your organization implodes, and we have to have another meeting to discuss the damage. Join us this week as we tackle improving our meetings.
Monday’s Tip: Question what would happen if the meeting didn’t occur at all. If there are no decisions made, or nothing changes as a result of the meeting – cancel it.
Tuesday’s Tip: Take initiative to change – whether it’s your meeting or not. Anyone can raise questions as to meeting process or meeting effectiveness. Don’t wait for someone else to step-up, raise your concerns now.
Wednesday’s Tip: Insist on an agenda in advance. A meeting without an agenda is almost certainly a waste of time and money. You are being paid to use time and money wisely. Don’t attend meetings without agendas.
Thursday’s Tip: Document action-items and decisions. Commitments and decisions must be documented with an accountable person(s), and a completion date. This list should be reviewed at the next meeting, and status against progress reported.
Friday’s Tip: Agree on a meeting process. There should be specific norms and routines that become your effective meeting process. You do not want to “wing-it”.