10 Tips for Running Efficient Meetings

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Ever been stuck in a meeting about having a meeting about having a meeting later? Feel like if that Steve from accounting says, “Well, actually…” one more time you’re going to lose your mind?

While it’s nice to check in with coworkers, face-to-face meetings can often feel like a horrible, draining, waste of time.  And studies show that over two-thirds of the time, they are. Check out this infographic GetVoIP for suggestions from high-level sources (like Oprah and Jeff Bezos!) about combatting meeting fatigue, getting focused, and leading the perfect meet.

Is this meeting really necessary?

When calling a meeting as a leader – the suggestion is to always lean on the question “why is it absolutely crucial that this is a meeting?” rather than another form of correspondence.  Oprah, for example, apparently eschews meetings in favor of detailed emails. If your meeting can be summed up in an email then it is not necessary to meet.

If you must meet

1. Keep to as tight a schedule as possible
2. Pair down the guest list: Only invite absolutely crucial personnel.  Giving a chair to someone who isn’t necessary is a waste of time for them at best, and at worst adds a voice to the discussion that takes time away from someone with a useful idea.
3. Make a pointed agenda: Do not wander from topic to topic, have a goal and create action steps.

Great leaders know when to gather together and when to let people work on their own responsibilities. Too much checking in together is not just meddlesome, it can lose your company a great deal of money.

About the Author

Reuben is the founder and CEO of GetVoIP. As an entrepreneur and tech enthusiast, Reuben brings a wealth of hands-on telecom industry experience, backed by a 10-year track record in strategically shaping operational functionality in all his ventures.