Most Meetings destroy time management
Having meetings are usually a waste of time. They are only advantages to a few yet all are suppose to attend when their time would be put to better use.
William, So true. At the start of each meeting, one of the best things you can do is to remind all attendees about the goals and objectives. This tends to keep meetings on track!
Dr. Melissa Read
Meetings are often ineffective because the stated agenda is not followed. Or, individual/ personal items are considered rather than those related to the meeting.
Virginia, Staff meetings can be productive and not productive. It really depends on how we manage them. The management piece is the key. If we have clearly defined objectives for our meetings and we stick to our plan of what we want to accomplish, we can make progress.
Dr. Melissa Read
I agree. The staff meeting once a month is a waste of time.
I also agree that department meetings are better. We have a staff meting once a month and a department meeting twice a month. Yes, there is an agenda---but it is not followed on a regular basis---particularly when it deals with conflict or problems. It is placed there and addressed at the end of the meeting when time runs out. THEN, we find it at the next meeting. This went on for four meetings; then, on the fifth meeting, the faculty involved (one started the process) addressed the issue and we all had input---and were willing to stay after the time allowed to work on that issue. It seemed our supervior would not have input into the disussion and we came together with resolutions The next meeting was cancelled; it will be interesting when we get together again......As a group, we took control over the situation and not let the situation which was on the agenda at each meeting control us.
Henry, So true. I think we've all got to think this way when planning meetings. Another question to ask is "who really needs to be there?" Often times, meetings have too many attendees and that can was time too.
Dr. Melissa Read
Before requesting a meeting I really wish the host would step back and answer the following question: Can I get this point across with a simple email? I often attend meetings and believe they are not necessary and could be replaced with a simple email.
It would be very helpful if the meetings were prioritized, so that the topics of lesser significance could simply be communicated by email. Most meetings start off with a necessary point, but quickly veer off the intended topic, and waste everyone's time.
Sandi, This is indeed true. Sometimes having your direct reports / delegates attend meetings on your behalf is a good strategy. Other times though, you really need to be there. A good skill to hone is to figure out how to quickly determine whether or not you are needed in a meeting, and to determine who can attend in your place. If no one can attend on your behalf, you can always ask the meeting organizer for meeting notes.
Dr. Melissa Read
I agree. Mandatory meeting seem to be scheduled when I am the most busy or when it is the only time I have to prepare for class. Having key personnel attend the meetings and provide the information to those who were unable to attend
I like the department meeting better myself. I find that there is a lot of information at an all staff meeting than I need. So and so in accounting got a promotion! Don't care, don't know him.
Unproductive meetings are very frustrating Antonio. One thing I highly recommend is to create a meeting agenda prior to the meeting, and to socialize that agenda. This way, meeting attendees are aligned on the goals and will drive toward productivity in the meeting.
I agree , we do need to meet once in awhile to make sure that everything is running appropriate , but having meetings contantly can also be very unproductive .
I believe there are important purposed for meetings. There definitely do need to be meeting to make sure staff is on the right page, discuss important news, and to make sure daily tasks are getting done. I can also agree that when there are weekly meetings some of them can be less informative that others and definitely be a waste of time. Meetings should focus on the needs of both the staff and the students and to make sure everyone is completing their job successfully.
I have mixed feelings on all staff meetings. I like to be informed on the events, requirements and activites in the school but sometimes the material does not apply to me. Then you feel that it was a waste of time. I like our department meetings much better.
All great points Bruce! I like the idea of not only prioritizing before meetings but also sharing the priorities with others who will join. This way, everyone is on the same page with respect to what you are trying to accomplish.
In relation to what we just reviewed, the key to an effective meeting is prioritizing before the meeting begins. By doing this, the meeting will obviously have correct flow and time management, exclude individuals or departments that do not need to attend, and in turn, be more productive. Unfortunately, just because someone is in upper level management, doesn't mean they understand the big picture as it related to the entire operation. Organization is pertinent and necessary in all areas, throughout each department, consistently.
When considering having a meeting, set guidelines for the time. Be strict with the start and end time so that everyone can plan the rest of their day without time concerns
I also recommend making these meeting mandatory to only those individuals that it applies to.
