Effective
meeting
agendas
Without
a
doubt
,
there
are
very
few
things
more
in
the
business
world
than
meetings
that
seem
to
have
no
direction
,
point
,
benefit
,
or
result
.
We
are
all
busy
and
it
can
be
very
frustrating
to
put
everything
on
hold
to
attend
a
meeting
that
we
know
is
going
to
be
a
before
it
even
starts
.
Generally
,
the
problem
starts
with
a
subpar
agenda
.
So
,
how
can
you
make
sure
that
,
if
you
are
chairing
a
meeting
,
your
agenda
focuses
on
the
target
,
keeps
your
coworkers
engaged
,
and
produces
positive
results
?
First
,
you
need
somewhere
to
start
.
Make
an
agenda
based
on
the
items
that
you
feel
are
the
most
important
.
Perhaps
these
would
include
decisions
that
need
to
be
made
,
deadlines
that
are
approaching
,
or
topics
that
require
collaboration
between
coworkers
or
departments
.
But
don't
leave
it
at
that
!
At
least
a
few
days
before
the
meeting
,
distribute
this
draft
agenda
to
the
coworkers
that
will
be
in
attendance
so
that
they
can
suggest
other
matters
that
to
those
you've
already
indicated
,
or
that
they
feel
important
to
be
discussed
as
well
.
This
doesn't
mean
that
you
need
to
include
every
suggestion
you
receive
.
Don't
forget
that
you
are
chairing
this
meeting
,
so
you
are
the
one
who
needs
to
decide
what
to
discuss
.
If
you
choose
not
to
include
a
coworker's
suggestion
,
it
.
Explain
to
them
the
reasons
for
your
decision
and
encourage
them
to
bring
it
up
at
the
next
available
opportunity
.
Second
,
don't
include
points
that
only
affect
one
or
two
members
of
the
team
.
Remember
that
time
is
money
.
If
you
have
the
entire
team
spending
time
discussing
a
question
or
problem
that
affects
one
or
two
members
,
you
are
not
using
your
resources
properly
.
These
matters
can
be
handled
individually
.
Instead
,
focus
on
issues
that
affect
the
entire
team
.
For
example
,
how
to
improve
interdepartmental
communication
,
how
to
reduce
between
order
placements
and
shipping
to
the
customer
,
or
how
to
reduce
expenses
.
An
important
strategy
to
employ
when
an
agenda
is
to
word
each
point
for
discussion
as
a
question
.
If
a
point
is
worded
as
a
statement
or
phrase
,
such
as
'Interdepartmental
communication'
,
your
coworkers
will
simply
wonder
if
there
is
a
problem
with
that
,
or
think
someone
isn't
communicating
properly
.
This
could
lead
attendees
to
think
in
a
direction
to
where
you
are
planning
to
go
.
Instead
,
word
each
point
as
a
question
.
For
example
,
'How
can
we
improve
interdepartmental
communication
?
'
That
way
,
attendees
will
have
a
clearer
picture
of
the
direction
the
discussion
will
go
in
.
This
will
help
them
and
yourself
to
stay
on
track
.
Another
important
addition
to
your
agenda
is
a
schedule
.
Do
your
best
to
estimate
how
much
time
will
be
required
to
cover
each
item
on
your
agenda
.
Indicate
this
clearly
on
the
agenda
so
that
those
attending
can
summarize
their
thoughts
and
comments
appropriately
to
stay
on
schedule
.
This
will
also
help
you
to
have
better
control
of
the
meeting
.
At
the
conclusion
of
the
meeting
,
be
sure
to
review
the
decisions
and
strategies
that
were
discussed
.
Also
,
it
is
wise
to
mention
those
points
that
need
further
discussion
because
no
decision
was
reached
.
This
will
enable
all
those
present
to
continue
thinking
about
the
subject
so
that
when
it
is
discussed
again
,
each
member
will
have
had
enough
time
to
formulate
an
opinion
on
the
matter
and
thus
,
help
the
team
agree
on
a
way
forward
.
If
you
are
able
to
implement
these
different
points
the
next
time
you
are
preparing
for
a
meeting
,
not
only
will
you
be
using
company
resources
more
appropriately
by
making
wise
use
of
everyone's
time
,
but
your
coworkers
won't
attending
your
meetings
either
because
they
will
have
a
clear
picture
of
what
to
expect
.
Let's
check
what
you
can
remember
!
Fill in the blanks to complete the Preamble.
Complete the lyrics of the song with the words that appear on the right side