How can I schedule and run an effective meeting?

First make sure you have a clear goal that you want to achieve, and you can express it clearly. Decide who is required for the meeting to be successful, and the role that each participant plays. Consider sending out material that can be read in advance to prepare for the meeting, so you don't spend too much time during the meeting to bring people up to speed. During the meeting, do your best to keep the conversation on track, and don't be afraid to defer discussions for a later time. Keep an eye out on the time and make sure you leave a few minutes at the end to summarize the action items and ensure each has a clear owner and due date. Last but not least, take good notes that you can share to the team and remind everyone of the discussion.