Posts

Meetings!

They can be useful to resolve complicated issues, bringing together the perspectives of stakeholders at the same time.

But that’s also an expensive use of time. And the value of that investment of time depends on how well-prepared one is for the meeting, and on the clarity of actionable items to come out of them.

Here are some of the tactics I use to help me organize effective meetings, and manage my time around them.

Block time: First thing in the morning, and after lunch

Every business day, I have a repeating schedule to block off time first thing in the morning and after lunch. This gives me time to prepare my action/agenda items for meetings later that morning or afternoon. It also gives me time to check my email in case any of the other attendees have indicated a change to the meeting, either in the agenda, or the schedule.

Block time: Before and after meetings

Back-to-back meetings are. The. Worst. That’s why, with every meeting I schedule, I block off time before and after it.

Before a meeting, this gives me time to transition from my work and prepare for my meeting, including taking a bio-break and refilling my coffee.

After a meeting, it gives me time to consolidate notes and process takeaways, and prepare action items before resuming my work or joining the next meeting.

I also offer this courtesy to my colleagues: I avoid booking a meeting immediately following an event in their calendar, and never on the same day unless it’s urgent.

How do you manage your meeting schedule? Let me know in the comments!

#work #meetings #timemanagment #courtesy