What do people hate about meetings?

1. Meetings usually go on too long. And they are boring.
2. Meetings can turn into gripe sessions.
3. Meetings often lack focus or easily get off-topic.
4. Meetings do not typically have clear conclusions.
5. Meetings are not in enjoyable environments.

What can we do to make them better, shorter, more effective?

1. Send out notes on topics to be covered ahead of time. Announce a surprisingly short meeting time (30 mins or better yet, 15 mins). Only talk about the most pressing issue. Be clear that time is of the essence.

2. If the meeting is going to be as short as possible, there should not be time to get off topic. The meeting leader should establish "rules" of the meeting to only have positive feedback/input. Any negative comment should be to help point out the problem that is being solved by the group.

3. A clear agenda and discussion topic posted in advance combined with a shorter than usual meeting time should keep the meeting on topic. If not, perhaps the meeting should be led by a different person. Or people taking the meeting off topic should not be included in future meetings.

Use of an unusual method of notetaking can be very helpful in keeping attention and reinforcing information. One group used to write with dry erase markers on the top of the glass conference table. Another has a notetaker who draws cartoons. Another uses post-it notes collected from all the meeting attendees. Yet another has the group act out an improv skit based on the meeting discussion at the conclusion of the time together.

4. A meeting with a very specific topic and clear agenda should easily lead to a clear conclusion -- what next steps and responsibilities are for the group.

Again, an interactive and memorable form of notetaking or documenting will help with this. A reminder sent out after the meeting documenting the conclusions will eliminate any possible misperceptions too.

5. Have your meeting in an unexpected place -- BUT one that will not detract from the purpose or efficiency of the meeting. Meeting at a restaurant or a coffee shop may be enjoyable, but much time will be spent worrying about things outside the purpose of the meeting.

Consider meeting in a different part of the office or at least in a different way -- for example, if you meet in a conference room that everyone is used to being in, use an unorthodox technique: make everyone stand or move the table to the side of the room so that you can sit in a circle. Be interactive, enthusiastic and engaging when you lead a meeting.

If you make it your goal to be clear, to the point and positive in a very timely fashion, your meeting attendees will respond in a similar fashion.

I agree..about meetings that is