Effective use of meeting time keeps the meeting focused and also builds enthusiasm for the topic. The sense of accomplishment generated from participants creates synergy through dynamics coordinated through a well-defined and effective meeting. The end result of awell-facilitated, dynamic meeting sets the stage for follow-up of measureable goals, and will ultimately produce meeting results.
Listed below are tips for an effective meeting process.

EFFECTIVE MEETING PROCESS TIPS

1. Start Meeting on Time
   1. If you don't, attendees will learn that it is acceptable to be late.
   2. Starting the meeting late is sometimes viewed as disrespectful to the attendees who were on time
2. Review meeting agenda and be prepared to modify it if necessary
   1. If you have done an adequate job of preparing the agenda, the only things that will be added are last minute issues
3. Follow the agenda
   1. Much time is wasted because of not following the agenda
4. Issue Log or Parking Lot
   1. Get agreement in the beginning of the meeting to use it
   2. Assign an attendee to record it
   3. The Parking Lot contains items that are spontaneously brought up during the meeting which are important issues to address but are brought up at an inappropriate point on the agenda.
   4. If time remains at the end of the meeting, refer to the Parking Lot for items that need the group’s attention
   5. Include on the agenda for the next meeting items from the Parking Lot that did not get covered at the meeting.
5. Keep Meeting Focused
   1. Make sure that discussion on any one agenda item is pertinent to that specific agenda item
   2. Don't allow getting off track. Stop it early!
   3. If an action is decided upon, make sure the following are done:
      1. A specific person is assigned to follow up on that issue
      2. Date/time of the follow up report or action should be identified - even if it is a status report instead of the final report
6. Evaluate meeting
   1. Take a few minutes at the end of the meeting to evaluate what worked and what did not work for this meeting
7. End the meeting on time

Effective Meeting Planning Tips | Meeting Process Tips | Meeting Follow-Up Tips | Attendees' Responsibilities

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