Subscribe
Over at the Art of Manliness, there’s a great series of tips on running a meeting. The Art of Manliness, despite the off putting name (to some people – me, I get it), is overall a really excellent blog – and an example of how to build a community of common interest. The common interest on Art of Manliness revolves around shaving with a straight razor and drinking cocktails (both of which I can get behind).
My favorite tip from the many is:
Summarize the meeting. At the end of the meeting, quickly tick off a list of everything you have accomplished and resolved to do. Delegate tasks and make sure everyone is absolutely clear on what their individual responsibilities are. Don’t ask for “other business.” You’re just opening a can of worms. Remember, if it’s not on the agenda, it’s not going to be discussed.
I’ve been to lots of meetings dominated by lots of talk which feels productive. It’s only later, when absolutely no action has been taken as a result of the meeting, that you realize not only was the meeting ineffective, but you’ll never have that hour of your life back. You’ll be on your death bed, and your dying words will be “If only someone had set some action items.”
In the comments share your meeting horror stories or tips.
We use RAILS (Rolling Action Item List) at every one of our meetings. It lists the person(s) heading up the task a start date, an expected completion date, and any progress made. If you start and finish your meeting with a RAIL you see progress and you see where a task is falling behind and throw more at it if needed.