How to make meetings more productive

1. Determine who runs the meeting and for whom it is performed

At any meeting shall be obtained someone's goal. This person should direct the conversation. It allocates the meeting objectives and ways to solve them. Otherwise, everyone will speak randomly, productive discussions fail.

2. Decide what type of communication will prevail

The purpose of meeting its shape depends. For example, discussions and educational lectures are held in different ways. Discussions take a long time. The more participants are, the more they are tightened. So carefully select the participants.

Do not invite only those who agree with your opinion. And avoid groupthink, where members do not express their own opinions, and individual decision-making.

3. Be persistent and open

You'll have to adjust conflicts, Out of the deadlock and intelligently allocate the time. Difficulties usually occur when inexperienced employee speaks. Weigh you is more important: to save time, without discussing his opinion, or to understand how he thinks. The second option will help determine how people cope with various responsibilities. If time permits, discuss with him what he's wrong. But always accept and own wrong.

4. Do not jump from one subject to another

So the meeting will not be solved, no question. To avoid this, mark the course of a conversation on the board.

5. Watch out for the logic of conversation

During the dispute emotions run high and hinder the objective perception of reality. Stay calm and rational. For example, people sometimes say: "I think it's true," and then behave as if it is an established fact. Although their interlocutors see the situation quite differently. That in a conversation dominated logic, not emotion, ask a man: "It is really true?"

6. Distribute the responsibilities of each participant

When the decision is made by a group often overlooked assign responsibilities. And then it is not clear who should do what and who is responsible. Be sure to clearly define the responsibilities of each member of the group decision.

7. Enter usually two minutes

Give every two minutes to quietly express their thoughts. And only then to discuss his proposal. Since all participants to express their opinions without fear of being slaughtered or misunderstood.

8. Stop those who speak too quickly

Fast it more difficult to understand. Some people use this to their advantage. People do not want to appear stupid and do not ask again, even if something is not understood. Do not fall for the bait. Your duty - to clarify all ambiguities and resolve contentious issues. So do not be afraid to say, "Sorry, I did not understand. Could you speak more slowly? "And then set the accumulated problems.

9. Bring up the conversation

If all exchanged ideas, Draw conclusions. If the meeting agreed, repeat it out loud. If not, say so too. If you set goals for the future, to distribute them among the participants and precise timing.

Record findings, theories and operational tasks that everyone has access to them. So it will be easier to track your progress.