Let’s be honest—most meetings are a waste of time. But they don’t have to be! With a few tweaks, you can turn dull, drawn-out meetings into productive, engaging sessions. Here’s how:
- Decide If It’s Even Necessary
Could this be an email? If so, cancel the meeting. Only meet when there’s real discussion, decision-making, or collaboration required.
- Set a Clear Agenda
No agenda? No meeting. Share a short, focused agenda in advance so everyone knows what to expect and can come prepared.
- Start on Time, End on Time
Waiting for latecomers wastes time and rewards bad habits. Begin on schedule and keep it tight—most meetings can be done in 30 minutes or less.
- Encourage Participation
A meeting isn’t a lecture. Get people involved by asking for input, rotating who leads discussions, or using quick check-ins.
- Finish with Action Points
What’s next? Summarise key decisions, assign tasks, and set deadlines. If people leave without knowing what to do, the meeting failed.
