Instead, they’ll be emailing, surfing the web, or just playing around with their technology.

The reality is that if people are allowed to bring iPads or BlackBerries into the room, they won't be focusing on the meeting or contributing to it. Sixty minutes is generally the longest time workers can remain truly engaged.Ħ.

Another note on time: Do not schedule any meeting to last longer than an hour. People appreciate it when you understand that their time is valuable. If you have responsibility for running regular meetings and you have a reputation for being someone who starts and ends promptly, you will be amazed how many of your colleagues will make every effort to attend your meetings. Establishing ground rules early on will create a framework for how your group functions.ĥ. Say, “We appreciate your contributions, but now we need input from others before making a decision.” Be public about it. If you notice one person monopolizing the conversation, call him out. Nothing derails a meeting faster than one person talking more than his fair share. Once you’re in the meeting, put that agenda up on a screen or whiteboard for others to see. Create an agenda that lays out everything you plan to cover in the meeting, along with a timeline that allots a certain number of minutes to each item, and email it to people in advance. When people feel that what’s being discussed isn’t relevant to them, or that they lack the skills or expertise to be of assistance, they'll view their attendance at the meeting as a waste of time.ģ. If you’re trying to solve a problem, invite the people who will be good sources of information for a solution. If you’re announcing a change, invite the people who are affected by the announcement. When you’re calling a meeting, take time to think about who really needs to be there.

Another word for running a meeting