Article - Meetings without Boredom

Meetings Without Boredom by Dale Collie

Some people thrive on meetings, but most of us would just as soon have a "you-know-what" as to attend another meeting. Reason -- we've learned that meetings can be a waste of time.

Most of us don't mind a meaningful meeting, but those routinely scheduled group meetings where everyone reports on their own activities are boring and meaningless.

Here are 10 tips for running a good meeting -- even one of those regularly scheduled, departmental meetings:

1. Make sure you need a meeting -- this rule is number one for a reason. If you don't need the meeting, don't have it.

2. Prepare an agenda and distribute it to all members well before the meeting

3. Set goals for the meeting and know what must be accomplished at each gathering

4. Instead of having individuals report on their departmental activities, allow them to bring their problems to the table for group input. Routine data can be distributed in other ways.

5. Make sure everyone is engaged throughout the meeting, not simply waiting for their turn to present their information

6. Keep the meeting on schedule -- start on time, stay on track, don't allow interruptions, phone calls, beepers, or movement into and out of the meeting.

7. Stick with the agenda -- if other important items surface during the meeting, move them to the end of the agenda or schedule them for the next meeting

8. Make sure the room and environment are conducive to the meeting -- not too hot, not too cold -- just right. No more noise than necessary. Proper lighting. Adequate seating and table space, AV equipment, and appropriate tools.

9. The boss should attend regularly. Frequent absences illustrate the importance the boss puts on these meetings and sets the tone for those who are present.

10. Develop assignments for the next meeting. Who will do what to move the agenda forward.

At one time, I was so fed up with meetings that I just discontinued them. The staff loved it -- for awhile. Then they got nervous because the routine was different. Soon, they complained that they didn't know what was going on.

The entire staff actually looked forward to resuming meetings, especially when I learned how to run a worthwhile meeting.

Find out what else bothers staff members by emailing for toptenstressors@couragebuilders.com

Copyright 2005 - Dale Collie

Dale Collie works with organizations that want to build courageous leaders and businesses. Former US Army Ranger, business owner, corporate exec, and CEO of international charity. Professor at West Point and selected by FAST COMPANY as one of America's Fast 50 innovative leaders. Speaker and author "Winning Under Fire" (McGraw-Hill)