Why Schedule Shorter Meetings?

Ever feel like too many meetings are a waste of your time?  Do you question the effectiveness of certain meetings, especially those where there is too much talk and too little action?  This video gives some tips on using shorter meetings to get more done.  

The overall concept is that “Racing the Clock” = more effectiveness and efficiency  (keeping in mind the following):

1. What style of group communication/facilitation supports the PURPOSE of the meeting? What result is needed?
2. Communicate with group members about the changes (and the benefits to them)
3. Required: some PREPARATION (just showing up and winging it is no longer acceptable- often this is only 5 minutes)
4. Some specific meetings cannot be rushed (strategic, collaborative, creative), but many meetings can be shorter without sacrificing RESULTS

Go for it! Here’s how:

• Take a look at your upcoming meetings, including “appointments” you schedule with yourself for focused work.  
• Select one or two where you can cut the planned meeting time in HALF.  
• Be courteous to fellow attendees and let them know the hows and whys of the change.  
• Ensure the PURPOSE and expectations of the meeting are clear.  
• Appoint a time-keeper or set a timer and stick to the start and stop times (ideally, no matter what).
• Keep in mind it will take a little time to change behavior and the culture of meetings in your groups. Be positive, firm, and patient.  

Say goodbye to: wasting prime work time in useless meetings, annoyed by repeated conversations & posturing in meetings that don’t have a clear purpose, and feeling stressed about not getting results!