If you’re stuck in another wasted meeting, you can make it the last one. Here’s how.

Don’t schedule a meeting unless it’s really necessary!

It’s no secret that all of us sit through too many wasted meetings nowadays to gain nothing more exciting than information that could have been disseminated in much less time-consuming ways.

So, unless you really need to bring people together to innovation and be creative think twice about scheduling a meeting.

When a meeting is really needed make sure it has these “ingredients.”

• A good agenda – one that is prepared beforehand and that includes the date, time, and location as well as a list of topics that will be covered and objectives;
• Appropriate leadership or guidance, which can be provided by one designated individual or every team member;
• Prepared participants who are prompt and actively participate;
• A good group climate that allows “balanced” participation because all members feel safe and comfortable expressing their ideas and point of view and conflict is welcomed and handled constructively. Participation is balanced when:
  • Everyone participates;
  • Nobody dominates; and
  • All sides of an important issue are fully discussed.