Meetings seem to be an essential part of most people’s lives. No matter what we do in life we have to meet with someone to get something done!
It can be very frustrating to sit through a meeting and wonder why you are there, while thinking of all the things you could be getting done instead.
Nonetheless, meetings are important. They allow us to collaborate, brainstorm and plan. They allow us to cast vision, communicate expectations and receive feedback. All are very important parts of any organization.
As a leader, meetings help you stay connected with your team members, making the time you spend with them more effective.
Image courtesy of Sura Nualpradid/DigitalPhotos.net
Leading a meeting takes skill. If you run an effective meeting, things get done. If you don’t, you will frustrate the people you are trying to work with.
Here are four ways that you can be more successful in your meetings.
1. Have a plan and type it out.
When you lead a meeting, the most important thing you can do is have a plan.
Ask what is this meeting for and what do we need to accomplish during this time?
Nothing will be more frustrating to your team than wasting their time in a pointless meeting.
On the flip side, when your meetings have purpose and direction you will build trust and confidence with them.
2. Share the plan at the beginning of the meeting.
When you schedule a meeting, the purpose should be shared with those invited. This will help them prepare for the meeting.
When you start the meeting, give them the run through of what you want to accomplish during that time.
When you do this, they will engage you more, because they can see the light at the end of the tunnel!
3. Stay on topic!
It’s too easy to chase those bunnies and get lost on the bunny trails that seem to put a strangle hold on most meetings.
For the sake of time, stay on topic.
4. End on time.
Speaking of time, it’s now time for your meeting to end. At the beginning you shared the purpose of the meeting. You should also share when the meeting will be over.
It might sound simple, but the easiest way to get the most from your team during a meeting is to end on time!
Meetings are not the antithesis of productivity. In fact when like minded-people get together, a large amount of progress can take place in a short amount of time. Tweet this!
The key is to make the meetings you lead as short and productive as possible.
This way you get the most from your team members. They will see the value of your meetings that don’t get in the way of them doing their job.
