Ten ways to make your meetings work

Every year, millions of hours and billions of pounds are wasted by ineffective use of meeting time.

Here are ten tips that make your meetings work.

1. Have a meeting for a reason.

"Because it's Monday morning" is not, in itself, a reason to have a meeting.

2. Be action-orientated.

Be clear about what the desired outcome of a meeting should be, eg "By the end of this meeting we will have decided on...", or "Today we will plan for..". Never have a meeting "to think about.." or "to talk about..." it's a license for timewasting.

3. Limit the numbers.

If you want contributions from everyone, limit numbers to 8.

4. It's not a party.

Don't invite people who don't need to be there.

5. Start meetings on time.

Latecomers will soon learn to get organised.

6. Set a time for the meeting to end, and stick to it.

2 hours is the absolute maximum. After that people become less effective and attentive.

7. Set time limits within the meeting.

You might allow 10 minutes per presentation, 15 minutes for some agenda items, and only 2 or 3 for others. This will help the meeting to stay on track.

8. Stand up.

Many organisations now have meeting rooms without chairs and tables. This keeps things short, to the point and focussed.

9. Stop someone who is wandering away from the point.

Not only does this save you time, but it sends a clear message to the rest of the group.

10. When you have made a decision, move on.

If the group can't move on, consider whether you have made the right decision.

To cut your meeting times, make good decisions, and work creatively and collaboratively, read more about Edward de Bono's Six Thinking Hats®

Or call us on 020 8540 5544 or email us.