Chances are pretty good you're attending a meeting this week. Did you know that a recent study showed that 52% of employees lose attention in meetings within 30 minutes and that 71% of meetings are considered unproductive by employees?

Efficient meetings can significantly impact our productivity and overall team morale. Whether you are leading, or attending a meeting, here are some practical tips to keep in mind:

1. Set Clear Objectives:
   • Define the purpose of the meeting
   • Share a concise agenda beforehand
2. Invite the Right People:
   • Ensure that only essential participants attend
   • Smaller groups usually result in more effective discussions
3. Stick to the Schedule:
   • Start and end on time
   • Allocate specific time slots for each agenda item
4. Encourage Participation:
   • Foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable contributing
   • Rotate facilitators to keep the meetings dynamic
5. Stay on Topic:
   • Gently steer conversations back to the agenda if they veer off course
   • Use a "parking lot" for off-topic items to be addressed later
6. Distribute Meeting Minutes:
   • Summarize key points and action items
   • Share minutes promptly with all attendees and relevant stakeholders
7. Follow Up on Actions:
   • Assign clear responsibilities and deadlines
   • Check in on progress in subsequent meetings

Handling Poorly Led Meetings:

1. Take Initiative Politely:
   • If you notice the meeting lacks structure, suggest following the agenda or creating one if it's missing
2. Steer Back on Track:
   • Respectfully bring conversations back to the main topic if they go off course. Offer to take tangential points offline or add to a "parking lot" for later discussion
3. Encourage Equal Participation:
   • If some voices dominate, encourage quieter participants to share their thoughts by directly asking for their input

By implementing these tips, you can make your meetings more efficient and enjoyable, ultimately driving projects forward with greater momentum.

Want to discuss strategies for improving and streamlining your workflow and hiring process? Find time on my calendar, or email me now and we can work together to build a thriving and productive team. Whether you are local, or prefer remote collaboration, I can help. Schedule your introductory call to explore how to take your productivity to the next level today. ​ wanda@wandaworksllc.com (815) 348-5869

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