OH! Those Annoying Run-on Meetings!

I had the opportunity to sit in on one of those annoying run-on meetings recently, and decided to blog about something that is near and dear to my heart; having effective, efficient and time sensitive meetings! You know the run-on meetings I'm referring to; it's the ones that bring people together to speak about a supposed issue, topic, event, etc, but wind up speaking and discussing everything under the sun; instead of that one hour, they seem to go on indefinitely. It's what I like to call "boiling the ocean"!

Why can't we just have a simple meeting that speaks to the issue at hand, with only those stakeholders directly involved, and then get on with our business....It is possible if the person setting up the meeting does so in an effective manner. Here are some points I've taken away from various leadership sessions, sales learning, etc. Try using the 3-C method which calls for clear articulation of the core for the meeting; the contributions everyone is expected to bring to the meeting; and the commitments that everyone is expected to take away from the meeting. If someone does not have a contribution or is not willing to make a commitment for a take-away, why are they there?? That can handle those "hanger oners" that just like to pass the time in meetings (and probably drags them down with their own agenda or topics they want to address).

Think about this like having a phone call with whomever you are inviting to the meeting. If they were to ask what is the meeting all about, just tell them the main focus (the core); suggest what you will be providing and what you'd like them to provide in the meeting (the contributions), and then what some of the commitments you'd like to walk away with from each of you (the commitment). It doesn't have to be onerous; just simple and to the point.

So, I'm sure you're asking, "What about other issues that arise"? Sure, other issues and topics may (and probably will) arise, but suggest a "parking lot" and collect those topics for a future session just focused on one them specifically! Believe it or not, this may be more efficient and effective for everyone involved. And, this approach could also be used for those multi-hour (or day long) planning meetings-just chunk them up into palatable topics that last something like an hour each and which each of their own core, contribution and commitment (after all, what is our attention span anyway?).

All I am suggesting here is that we use our time effectively; ensure that those who are involved are the ones who are participating; and keeping our attention level focused on the issue/topic at hand. This may also cull out some of those folks who are just "pretending" to contribute and make a difference-stay tuned for one of my blogs on the various participants for these types of meetings (I'm sure you'll recognize a few in some of your organizations, clubs, etc). Oops, gotta go-off to a meeting.....(sure hope it has the three C's because I haven't seen them yet).....