Tip #9
Review meeting progress and stay on topic
When participants expect to join a meeting for specific discussions, it is important for the meeting to stay on topic. When an issue cannot be resolved in time, agree to committed next steps to ensure the issue does not lose its place, and move on to the next agenda item.
A high participation rate does not equate to time spent efficiently. Include topic durations for the agenda to increase efficiency with the limited communication channels, especially with virtual meetings, by allowing contributors to join the meeting right before their attention is required, and dismiss themselves when they are no longer required.
Tip #8
Distribute agenda with durations
before the meeting
Tip #7
Track your actions
Understanding the key roles in each agenda topic help teams establish next steps with leads and due date.
Tip #6
Know when and how to participate
in meetings
Inviting relevant contributors to each agenda topic can help participants make informed decisions about when and how they should be prepared to contribute during the meeting.
Note each participant's role (Topic Lead, Presenter, Decision-maker, &c.) for each meeting topic so they know when 100% attention is required. This helps avoid blocking an entire meeting in everyone's calendar.
Tip #5
Assign key roles to each agenda topic
Tip #4
Recap of specific decisions and actions
After a collaborative and fruitful meeting, be sure to capture great ideas, recap on decisions made, and establish next steps.
Tip #3
Vote for ideas
Hear all input and gather opinions that will inform decisions.
Meetings are more productive when participants are well informed and prepare to share thoughtful input.
Tip #2
Be prepared to collaborate in meetings
Tip #1
Teamsource meeting agenda,
information, & notes
Distribute a clear agenda well in advance of the meeting, and invite participants to contribute reference materials and notes, ideally affording all participants time to review and prepare for the meeting.