10 characteristics of a productive meeting
Like most people who work, I spend a lot of time in meetings.
Some are extremely productive.
But too many are just ‘rubbish chats’, i.e. neither productive enough to really be called a meeting nor ‘in the pub enough’ to be considered a properly good laugh.
If I had my way, there’d be less meetings. Less meetings = better work, better working hours and ultimately, a better world.
But if there absolutely had to be a meeting for some reason or other, then it would look like this:
1. Everyone stands up.
This way things never go on any longer than they need to. Also, it’s good to stretch.
2. There’s water to drink.
Hydrated, alert and ready to own it.
3. The agenda has 3 items on it.
It’s the magic number – nice and easy for my brain to deal with.
4. Time is allocated to each item.
A gong could be banged when it’s time to move on. That would be fun.
5. No one’s there that doesn’t need to be in order to solve the problem.
I can write notes, thanks.
6. Someone acts as the facilitator.
Success for the facilitator is the meeting finishing earlier than expected (for all the good reasons, of course).
7. No one spends time explaining why they agree with something that’s already been agreed.
I reckon that this has the potential to at least halve the length of some meetings.
8. Specialist experience and knowledge is respected.
You do that for 7 hours a day more than I do, so I trust what you’re saying.
9. All the next steps are crystal clear.
I’m in no doubt about what I now need to go away and do.
10. It’s outside.
Fresh air is good for the soul.
What does your ‘ideal’ meeting look like?
I would probably build on point 9 with something like ‘the reasons for the meeting in the first place are made clear at the start’.
And if you can make notes standing outside with a glass of water in your hand, respect.
Yes, it’s a great party trick.
I absolutely agree. Most meetings are a waste of time. The most productive meetings are short – under ten minutes. Everyone should come prepared. Meetings are not the time to do work, they are the time to decide what happens next. Decide what you’ve got to say, say it, decide what you’re going to next, go and do it.
I totally agree with this. Interesting to think about what a typical day in your agency (should you have one) would look like… (or maybe “typical” wouldn’t come into it).
This is my new favourite blog. I just found it while Google video cached up as connection speeds are slow in Bangkok. I’m watching this documentary about revisonism of the war. Who knew that Goering wore red varnish at Nuremberg? Awesome.
http://smashingtelly.com/2008/10/30/the-living-dead/
I always like to add a little context but I loved this post which I read on my mobile phone while waiting for the content to flow on the documentary above, and thought I have to check this guy out.
Firstly all these suggestions are so on the money. I particularly like the one about being held outside. I”ve long suggested that meetings over a certain amount of people should be held as country/park walks. It just relieves the stress of waiting for an opportune time to say what’s needed and nobody goes on forever. Yes outside and walks. Healthy too.
I”m ashamed to say that I’ve hogged time by getting excited when people agree with what I’m saying. I shall curtail this behaviour from here on.
I’m also delighted to see that I’m on your link list. You will shortly be on mine. Nice one Nick.
Hey Charles – I’m flattered. Will check out that vid when I get a moment. Also, country walks are a brilliant idea – no powerpoint hell then either…