I hate meetings. I hate wasting my time and that’s what usually happens at meetings. We start late, people ramble, nothing appears to get accomplished, and a new meeting is then scheduled.

Kill me now.

But there is a better way!

Meetings can serve a valuable function IF you follow these guidelines.

• Start when you say you are going to start.
• Distribute an agenda that has group buy-in.
• Stick to said agenda.
• Be able to make a quick decision, which will then keep you on time. If you find the discussion is rambling or going down tangent lane(s) you can: 1) assign a few key people to work on Complicated Issue and get back to the group at a designated time (figure out who the reporter will be), 2) select some key players to make decisions on Sticky Issue as needed, 3) ballpark the Murky Issue for another time.
• Empower your team. When your team does something great – report this at your meeting. Praise is powerful. By recognizing others you create good will, a fabulous chance that this positive behavior will get repeated, and your meeting has a better vibe.
• Create accountability measures. How: Assign a WHO – person who will do The Job, a WHEN – time The Job will be done, and a WHAT – what will be accomplished. Value: Not only will this make your meetings functional, but also your team, and you, will see that something CAN get accomplished.
• End when you say you are going to end.

Comment below about your Worst Meeting You’ve Ever Attended! Or tell me your pearls on how to create effective meetings. Always great to hear from you.

Karen Cortell Reisman, M.S., author of 3 books and President of Speak For Yourself®, works with organizations on how to communicate to make more money. It’s all in how you speak for yourself. Read more at www.SpeakForYourself.com/blog/