My two pet peeves are being stuck
in mismanaged meetings and in traffic jams. Traffic jams are
often unavoidable but ineffective meetings are particularly irksome
since it is simple to plan and manage successful meetings. Using the
tools for creating dynamic and inspirational meetings doesn't require
a Ph.D. or months of training. Why then are these simple ideas and tools
so often ignored?
Meetings are too often seen as an end unto themselves. I've attended
more than my share of meetings where the object was to get to the meeting.
Once there, we dutifully filled the time allotted while producing only
a minimum of new ideas, plans and action.
Using meetings effectively starts with the understanding that
meetings are not the destination but a vehicle for reaching
strategic objectives or organizational destinations. With this in mind
we can move meetings forward.
Thinking of meetings as vehicles, as the means to an end, clarifies
objectives and itineraries. It enables us to get in the drivers seat
and focus our attention on the results we want to achieve and the means
of achieving them. This requires selecting the appropriate type and
structure of meeting, picking a competent meeting leader and facilitator,
determining the key participants, and identifying critical steps in
order to make the best use of peoples' time and energy.
With a clear destination in mind and key waypoints noted,
it is possible to map possible routes and determine when a bike, a bus,
a plane, chariot or truck is the appropriate vehicle to get you there
quickly. With clear objectives, we can determine how each part of the
meeting should be structured and managed to achieve the desired results.
The success of meetings is limited only by our understanding
of their purpose and our ability to plan and manage them.
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