Top tips for productive meetings

• Do you need a meeting? – just because it’s in the diary, doesn’t mean you have to have one
• Preparation is everything – make sure that everyone attending the meeting has had plenty of time to see the agenda, and are all aware of the objectives of the meeting, and what documents they need to bring
• Timekeeping – your meeting attendees will be very appreciative if you keep to time – the average meeting attendee begins to lose concentration after 41 minutes, so keep that in mind when planning your time. If anyone goes off agenda, bring them back and give them time to address the issue under AOB
• Dress code – think about the format of the meeting, and if it is a formal meeting, ensure all attendees are aware they should dress appropriately
• Invite the right people – it’s true that too many cooks spoil the broth, and you need to ensure you have the right mix of decision makers, as well as those that actually will be carrying out the work
• Think about holding your meeting standing up – it helps people keep what they say to a minimum, and ensure no one keeps talking for the sake of talking
• Ensure there is someone minuting the meeting – this may avoid any disagreements post meeting about what was said
• Avoid use of technology if possible – benefits of face to face communication far outweighs people staring at a screen
• Meeting timing – try and avoid the post lunch slump or the end of the day – mornings are usually better for productivity
• Meeting location – think about taking the meeting off site, and holding in a neutral location to try and aid fresh ideas