More on Meetings

Have a laugh, while you meet this week...
The experts at Pace Productivity gathered some humorous quotes about the different facets of productivity. Check out these quotes about meetings on their Perspectives page.

How a Productive Meeting Might Look

Making the Most of Meetings: Are you wasting time in unproductive meetings?

I think it would be fair to say that meetings, if not facilitated properly, can interrupt, or even block the flow of your productivity. I loathe meetings, but don’t get me wrong. I believe meetings are essential to productivity in the workplace and are necessary to foster team cohesiveness. Collaboration and teamwork have been essential to the development of my character, and this development could have only happened through effective meetings.

However, meetings can still be a big waste of time when agendas aren’t clearly defined, the facilitator is unorganized and the attendees aren’t interested or have agendas of their own. And, these are just a few reasons. I have been on both ends of the spectrum – as a facilitator and as an attendee. In these capacities, I have observed why it is extremely important to stay focused, and to be considerate of the time of others.

In my personal experience as a facilitator, one of the most effective tools I’ve used is the timed meeting agenda. Here’s a sample:

Sample Agenda Items
Welcome--5 min.
Old Business--10 min.
New Business--20 min.

Take 60 minutes, divide it up on the agenda, be disciplined, and watch how productive the meeting will be.

If you’re not a decision maker, no problem--use your opportunities for forums and discussions with your coworkers and senior staff to suggest more productive meetings. Don’t just suggest, assist with the implementation. Be a timekeeper; offer to type the agenda or take minutes, if you’re not a facilitator. Facilitators should also delegate these responsibilities to focus on the larger meeting issues and thus, stay focused on time.

One website that has taken meeting management to another level is EffectiveMeetings.com. I found this site recently and it is extremely resourceful. One of my favorite anecdotes found on EffectiveMeetings.com is the Ten Commandments of meeting. I have resolved to follow these for life. Try the sample above and the suggestions mentioned on EffectiveMeetings.com and increase your productivity. Happy time saving!

Welcome to my BLOG!

Welcome!

Welcome to my Web log! If you struggle with a lack of organization, time management or planning, you may find my personal strategies useful to help you gain control of your personal and professional life. Similarly, if you are seeking new ways to become even more productive, keep visiting; I'm sure you'll find what you're searching for. Here is just a sneak peek of what you can expect from Make It Happen!:

• It's all in your head; Now, get it down on paper.
• Making the most of calendar templates and programs.
• Checklists--templates you can use for home, office and beyond.
• Places where you can be the most productive, and knowing where to find them.
• Say no now, or take on more than you expected.
• You've got spare time; now what do you do?
• Effective meeting agendas that work.
• How to keep in touch with family and friends.

...And there's more. If the list above interests you, bookmark this blog now.