How to Run a Great Business Meeting

Avoid long-winded meetings.

Run a meeting that brings results and doesn't leave your participants rolling their eyes or falling asleep. The key to a running a great meeting goes beyond preparation. Run the meeting with a goal in mind so that you can come to a decision and make sure that every one is on the same page.

Things You'll Need

• agenda
• visual aids as needed

Instructions

1. Give people plenty of notice and send them a reminder. Have a clear agenda for the meeting and tell the participants what the meeting is about so they know why they need to be there.

2. Start the meeting on time. Allow for some late comers, but be firm that the meeting has a clear start and end time.

3. Prepare a solid agenda. Outline what needs to be discussed, but allow for meeting participants to raise questions and be a part of the meeting.

4. Keep the meeting moving forward. Don't get stuck on one point, especially if you have many other items to discuss. If someone is talking over others or dominating the discussion, acknowledge that person and tell him that you'll come back to his point after the other items have been considered. Remind participants that there are other matters to discuss.

5. Plan to have a follow up course of action. Decide how the issues in the meeting will be addressed and whether another meeting is necessary.

6. Assign someone to take notes and keep time for the meeting. This person should type up the notes after the meeting and distribute the notes with issues decided and tasks assigned to all the participants.

7. Pay attention to people who are quiet during the meeting. Not everyone needs an opinion during the meeting, but give those people a chance to speak. Ask them if they would like to talk or offer a thought but don't pressure them to participate.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your cool even if others do not. Be courteous but firm in keeping the meeting on track.

References

• Forbes.com: How to Run a Meeting