A Strategy For Running Effective Business Meetings

Do you run effective business meetings?

Imagine you are new and you have been given the responsibility to conduct a business meeting via the corporate video-teleconferencing facility. It's expensive to use and booked solid. You have only one hour to conduct your meeting and depart the facility before the next group is scheduled to arrive.

Your boss will be there and you recognize that this session will showcase your project management and leadership abilities to others as well.

You have two primary goals in mind:

You want to show your boss that you can handle this relatively straightforward task.

More important, you want to demonstrate to everyone that you are in control of your project from start to finish.

Time Management

You know that your time is limited - you must apply basic time management principles.

You've read articles regarding time management in the workplace, but, the reality is, you've observed or participated in other meetings that were not productive.

Typically, it is because some do not come prepared or they arrive late.

In this scenario, there are participants at remote locations and it's likely that they are scheduled for other meetings throughout the day.

If you do not maximize the short amount of time you have available, your project will be delayed and it could have a detrimental impact on your desired results.

What do you do?

Recruit Others to Help

You've heard colleagues complain about poorly run meetings, so you want your meetings to be different.

To maximize precious time, you distribute the agenda and read-ahead materials in advance. You want to ensure everyone arrives having had the opportunity to review the information.

You seek several allies who agree to help you by being on time and they come prepared. They have read all of the materials in advance and they assist you by keeping the discussion focused on the meeting's purpose.

You have unified your small group. Your approach is disciplined and well thought. Before you know it, you have set the example and you establish a new company standard.

The Power of Influencing Change

Leadership is about influence.

Your approach highlights important corporate values - Responsibility and Respect.

You made efficient use of resources - the video-teleconferencing facility - demonstrating that you are responsible.

You introduced change into your workplace by demonstrating respect for others' time - everyone appreciates that!

Incorporate these and other time management principles into your strategy and you will be running effective business meetings soon.