If you're wondering why you can never get any work done, meetings may be the cause. According to a recent article in the Harvard Management Update newsletter, the first step in making the time you spend in meetings more productive is to make sure you don't meet with anyone unless it's absolutely necessary. If you decide a meeting is necessary, limit the number of participants to only those with direct responsibility for deciding upon or implementing the objectives. And be clear about the purpose of the meeting and what you hope to accomplish. Ideally, everyone involved will have this information in advance so that they can properly prepare.
Preparation is the key to keeping meetings productive and brief.
Lastly, be sure the decision making process is not a haphazard one. Gain a consensus on the criteria upon which decisions will be made and stick to it. This step alone may save you from having to meet again on the very issue you're meeting on today. All rights reserved . This site is developed in association with Molecular .