How to Make Meetings Suck Less

Whoever owns the meeting needs to keep it moving.

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If you’re setting a meeting, you “own” the meeting, and you need to be accountable for it.

With that in mind, here’s how to make it a success:

#1 Set an agenda

If you can’t articulate the purpose of your meeting, you probably shouldn’t be holding one.

#2 Drive the meeting

Lay out the problem, invite others to speak, allow debate, and make sure you listen.

But ultimately, you need to be able to synthesize the opinions and decide on the next steps.

That’s on you.

#3 Be inclusive

Too often, meetings become a forum for people to assert or jockey for power.

Those who are quieter tend to get overlooked or find it hard to insert themselves into the conversation.

As a manager, you need to seek out those voices and create an environment where people aren’t shouting or droning on too long.

#4 Make a record

You, or someone you appoint, should take notes and sum up any agreed actions.

This is useful for anyone who missed the meeting and keeps people aligned on what was agreed upon.

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