9 Tips for Shorter and Better Meetings

More on latecomers

I disagree with the punishment on latecomers, because it's a distraction. Thinking about the latecomers, or worse, delaying the meeting waiting for them to arrive, is the big time-waster.

In my meetings, if it's a 2:00 meeting, then at 2:00 the meeting starts, and the assembled group carries on as best they can. If the missing person is a linchpin, then at 2:01 the meeting breaks up to be rescheduled later.

Andy Lester of IL @ Aug 07, 2008 00:03:16 AM

Print this on a shirt

Well-written and to the point. Thank you. Preach this, my sister!

Andrew G.R. of NY @ Aug 06, 2008 19:55:35 PM

Have a point

I truly believe that there's nothing more energizing than a purposeful meeting. When there's a confluence of ideas, everyone leaves with a long to-do list, and the big-picture has been crystalllized in everyone's mind, that's the stuff of great meetings. In my opinion, the number 1 most important tip when planning a meeting is to make sure there's a point. There's nothing more discouraging than a mandatory meeting with no point!

Erika with Qvisory of WA @ Aug 06, 2008 18:55:25 PM

Don't accommodate late comers, either

If people are late, don't stop everything, back up and say everything over again for them. This is one of the most common and disruptive things that meeting organizers do. Not only does it reward latecomers (esp. if they are passive-aggressive types who like the extra attention) but it also punishes everyone who came on time.

almostgotit.com of TN @ Aug 06, 2008 14:51:32 PM