Be the Best Meeting Boss

We spend so much of our working time in meetings. Sometimes we are the attendee and sometimes we are the host - or for this post - the meeting boss!  We have all been at a meeting when the boss has been unprepared. Those meetings are the worst!  This post is to give some of the meeting lessons I have learned over the years.  I would love to hear your meetings boss tips in the comments!

1) Set the Stage
When conducting a meeting, it is important for the boss/host to get the time, place and agenda set. This means that you ensure the timing works for all necessary attendees and you have prepared an adequate space and time for the meeting.

2) Work with a Purpose
The meeting boss should cleary explain the purpose of the meeting. Do not just call a meeting without giving details of what will be expected of attendees (in terms of contribution or preparation). Further, have an agenda for your meeting that you will follow and, if possible, give to everyone ahead of time. This allows for a productive meeting so you don't end up with a meeting about future meetings but actually a working meeting that works!

3) Respect Time Restraints
Keep the meetings start and ending time (i.e. don't let your meeting drag on - folks are busy and need to get to other tasks). Further, keep the meeting agenda items - only discuss what you came there to discuss. Otherwise, people will not be as prepared and this can cause meetings to overrun their allotted time.

4) Keep a Record
Finally, the host should have someone keep a detailed record of meeting and task lists for items after the meeting. That way all will know what is to be accomplished after they leave the meeting.

These few points will help make for effective and efficient meetings - so you and those you work with can get back to the actual doing! Wishing you all brief but productive meetings!

Click on the pictures below to be taken to my favorite power suit (available in 5 colors!).  It is versatile among seasons and timeless styling.  Plus it always helps you feel like a boss when you look like a boss!

Photo Credit to www.despair.com (these guys are genius) that sums up most meetings - may this never happen to you!