I learn new pointers for attending and running meetings all the time. Some are no-brainers: Have an agenda, and stick to it. Start on time, since we can’t all revolve around people who always show up late and can’t manage their time. Take notes in case no one else does. Stay awake.
Other good ideas include providing some kind of refreshment, even if you just bring a few assorted sodas (and rootbeer is often a surprising hit, and cops usually don’t drink diet cola); printing out the agenda because a lot of people will take their notes on it and don’t carry paper; bring some extra pens; don’t sit through the whole meeting on your handheld.
Less obvious things include not calling folks two days before you want to meet and only giving them one time to pick from. That’s inconsiderate of people’s time. Also, not calling a meeting just to hear yourself talk, since you could just email your speech — good idea.
But, the single most important aspect of running a meeting is one that two people (so far!) this week have blown. If you call a meeting, show up for it!
Read more past posts:
Ha, good ones. I’ll add another, if I may. In these tough economic times (as everyone is fond of saying nowadays) a boss calling an emergency meeting for all staff should include a disclaimer, if appropriate, that the meeting is not to announce mass layoffs or dissolution. Otherwise, you’re just giving everyone a big scare.
Thus is the story of my life.
Ms Cralls, will you be updating that there blog of yours? :)
Also, if a long meeting (that you are not yourself running) is taking place at 4pm around YOUR schedule, you are an asshole to not show up:)
I firmly believe that no meetings should be called before 10 AM, between 11:30 and 1:30, and after 4:00 PM. No ifs, ands, or buts…
(And you better damn well show up for a meeting that you called.)