Kevin, I agree with you! The key is sometimes not the meeting, but the premeeting work that you require and the minutes that are sent out that codify decisions and opinions. Also, I have a quantifiable weekly “script” or report that I have every department head complete. In academics for example, it includes items like, # of drops last week, # of new starts, # of students with multiple Fs, # of students absent for more than 3 consecutive days, faculty openings, upcoming events, and help needed from other departments. I require that this report is sent prior to the weekly call so that I can be ready to ask questions or provide solutions. Another helpful tool is to set up a virtual website or portal page for your team. Encourage them to respond to threaded questions or suggestions and to post issues. The key is to get everybody thinking before the meeting. Dr. Jamie Morley