Meetings aren't "just meetings" -- they are a mode of communication.

And we all know communication is one of the key things that can make or break a team, if not an entire organization.

So that means even if you don't like meetings, you probably need to learn how to do them better. 💡

Here are 5 tips I use in my work to help teams improve their meetings:

1. Always have an agenda and send it out beforehand along with expectations for each attendee.

2. Start and end ON TIME. Make this part of your organization's culture.

3. If there are issues to be solved, add these items to the agenda prior to the meeting, along with the specific decisions that need to be made and by whom (ask attendees to add this information when necessary).

4. Time block meeting segments and verbally let everyone know what is expected.

   (ex. "We have five minutes to discuss the new website and we will need to make a decision about which font to use. Kayla, can you take us through the options, pros and cons, and your recommendation?")

5. Teach your team how to give quick yet effective executive project updates. This can often be done in 60 seconds or less when you get good at it.

(Updates should include: brief project background, recent progress and measurable results, issues/solutions, what is needed to move forward, overall prognosis).

It goes without saying someone should be taking ownership as facilitator of the meeting, and it also goes without saying the meeting should be necessary in the first place. (But, look, I said it anyway 😉)

❓ What tips do you have for leading meetings more effectively?