tips for keeping meetings productive

Question

I have some colleagues who I feel like overbook my calendar with meetings all the time when meetings just aren't really necessary. I appreciate the effort to be collaborative, but I also hate to have to go a bunch of meetings that I think are ultimately a waste of time. Any tips for talking to a colleague about this or trying to ensure that meetings are actually productive/an effective use of time?

Paula R. Joseph · Answer

Hi Nikki, one suggestion is to start sending a brief, proposed agenda of the meeting with any calendar invite YOU send. List expected start times for each topic (i.e. 9:15 Project X, 9:30 Budget Review, etc.). Do that for your own meetings to see if it's effective with your colleagues to keep them on track and focused. Then when you receive a calendar invite from THEM respond back with 'is there an agenda for the meeting?'. This might prompt the sender to remember how smoothly your meetings run and take up the same practice. Good Luck!

Anonymous · Answer

That's great advice!

tips for keeping meetings productive

You're invited.

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