First of all do you really need a meeting?

1. Consider whether a meeting is necessary. Can you get things done via email or phone or one on ones? Think about the total cost of a meeting. Ten people sitting for two hours is 20 hours x $75hr (wage) = $1500. Lost productivity costs more.

Keep it fun and engaging

2. Bring food.

3. Generally the shorter the meeting the better the experience.

4. Have an agenda so everyone knows what will be covered and that an end is in sight. One agenda item = great. Twenty agenda items = too many.

5. Plan for others to do the talking. Nobody wants to hear you blabber the whole time.

6. Research shows that standing meetings are most engaging.

Make it efficient

7. Invite as few people as necessary.

8. Set a timer. When it rings the meeting’s over. This one calculates the costs of a meeting!

9. Invite the right people. Don’t invite the wrong people.

Deal with problems

10. Don’t let monopolizers and know-it-alls dominate. Wait for a pause or cut them off, acknowledge their input and redirect.

11. Don’t let someone veer wildly off agenda (unless that’s the agenda). Refocus and keep things moving.

12. People who have side meetings may be bored or are self-important, rude, or just don’t care about others. Glance at them or wait until they finish. If the problem persists ask them to stop or discuss it afterwards.

Wrap it up

13. End with an action plan and review who is responsible and when things are due.

14. Thank everyone for their time and contributions.