Ever attended a meeting where somebody who was in charged of the session or just grabbed the wheel so to speak goes on and on about something that does not really make sense.
The only reason you do not jump in is that doing so might make the session stretch longer.
A personal pet peeve for me is revisiting the same issue over and over which proves that all previous meetings where a waste of time.
The problem was not solved because no one came up with a real practical solution or if they did it was never acted upon.
Another issue highlighted in The best and worst in meeting venues (by Tyler Brûlé) is the setting for the meeting including the other participants.
In order to make any session productive, feeling welcomed matters.
Whoever is in charge should make sure that the participants are catered to with beverages and healthy food proper for the time of the day when the meeting takes place.
Your brain does not work well on junk food and soda.
Comfortable seats, elbow room and the right temperature also count.
Basic rules when setting up a meeting:
- First ask yourself if it serves a purpose. Do not waste people time.
- Second would be the need for a clear and concise agenda.
- Third remember to keep it short and focused. If many issues need to be addressed break them down in smaller pieces (portions). It will help people better digest the subject at hand. Have someone run the clock and keep the trains on time.
- Fourth and last don’t be a jerk…no 6:30 am start time.
Session closed for Monday Work Etiquette #8!
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