How to have more productive meetings

Keep it small – No more than seven people should be present at a meeting to enable all attendees to participate. Smaller groups make it easier for workers to pick up on their colleague’s body language.

Ban devices – Mobile phones, tablets and laptops should be put away or turned off during the meeting unless they are being used to retrieve reference material. Devices are not only distracting to the user, but also colleagues.

Keep it as short as possible – Meetings should be no longer than one hour, to allow workers to stay focused. Problems are also solved much quicker when there are time constraints, with decision-making performed at a faster rate under higher pressure.

Stand up – Stand-up meetings are said to be 34 per cent shorter than sit-down meetings but produce the same solutions.

Make sure everyone participates -Make sure everyone speaks up and offers their point, instead of hanging back. Some people may want to speak up but don’t feel like they can unless they’re asked. Those who hold back often have the best perspective but it needs to be drawn out.

Never hold a meeting just to update people – Meetings held to update employees on a matter can be a waste of time. Why take up valuable time saying something you can just email?

Set an agenda – Setting an agenda ahead of the meeting is critical. Lacking a clear plan of action often causes meetings to de-rail and sees less decisions made. Planning gives everyone the opportunity to clarify intentions and allows participants to attend prepared.

Source – Daily Mail