Think all meetings are boring?
Think meetings are a waste of time because nothing gets done?
Attribution: flikr/Jennifer Kumar
Then use these five tips for more engaging and productive meetings:1. Use a timer.
Better yet, use multiple timers. When people know there is a time limit, they are more likely to focus.
2. Break up your meeting into smaller, timed mini-meetings.
It can be refreshing to know that a decision will be made in five minutes and then the group will move on to something else rather than letting time pass without deciding or moving on.
3. Use different activities to facilitate each agenda item or decision.
Agenda creation is a lot like lesson planning. Good teachers know that getting students to learn is not just about the content, but about using the right method of delivering that content. People are more engaged when they are active. Sitting for an hour is not engaging for children or adults. Let people move around during the meeting. Have quiet times and talk times. Ask questions that require more than a yes or no answer. However, don't ask questions that let people ramble either.
4. Outlaw presentations or set ground rules for presentations.
One slide presentations force the presenter to think about what is most important for people to know in order to act. Or just give group members everything they need to know to make a decision on one sheet of paper. Let them read on their own for two minutes. Discuss the information for two minutes. Then discuss possible decisions for three minutes. Make a decision as a group and then move on.
5. End each meeting with a summary.
Everyone should leave the meeting knowing what was decided, who is responsible for acting on each decision, when the recommendations should be implemented, and when results of the implementations will be presented.
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