![\"How](\"https:\/\/zenkit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/header.en127.jpg\")
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Team meetings can be a drag and they’re not on everyone’s favourite-things-to-do-at-work list. In fact, a <\/span>Clarizen<\/span><\/a> survey concluded that 46% of the 2,066 adults surveyed would rather do any unpleasant activity than endure a status meeting, with 17% preferring to watch paint dry.<\/span><\/p>\n But the reality is that meetings are an unavoidable aspect of working life. And so, in this article, I’ll show you how you can make your next meeting worthwhile by ensuring that it’s as effective and engaging as it can be.<\/span><\/p>\n (Please note that the focus is on in-person meetings, not virtual\u2014perhaps another topic for another time?)<\/span><\/p>\n Snazzy new technology has allowed teams to communicate and share information conveniently and from all aspects. With email, instant messaging, and task management tools<\/span>, you no longer have to have everyone involved in the same room at the same time to go over pressing topics and resolve issues. Sounds like meetings are no longer needed, right? <\/span><\/p>\n Wrong.<\/span><\/p>\n Although technology has enabled us to change the way we work and collaborate<\/a>, there are still moments where discussing information via text simply won\u2019t cut it. There are still objectives that can’t be accomplished or decisions that can’t be settled without first-hand, face-to-face discussion.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n \n A team meeting’s<\/a> purpose is to help you achieve goals in a more effective and timely manner. If done correctly, it can yield quality results and ensure tasks and projects don’t exceed their deadlines.<\/span><\/p>\n There are various reasons why team meetings are organized.\u00a0They include, but aren’t limited to, the following:<\/span><\/p>\n In saying that, however, team meetings get a bad rap. They are known to drag on for an unnecessary amount of time and touch on topics that aren\u2019t always relevant, making them unproductive and a complete waste of time.<\/span><\/p>\n So, how can you avoid that?<\/span><\/p>\n To conduct a team meeting that doesn\u2019t sap the soul out of your team members, consider the following factors when making arrangements for your next huddle<\/a>:<\/span><\/p>\n Before writing up the agenda and sending out the calendar<\/a> invites, ask yourself if what you want to discuss is something that can be resolved in an email or another communication platform.<\/span><\/p>\n While there are moments that do require in-depth discussion and analysis, there are also times when gathering a group of busy people together isn’t the most effective way to get things done<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Despite the old adage, in this instance, more isn\u2019t always the merrier. A bigger group is always trickier to manage and adding more people to the table who don’t add value won\u2019t make it easier. <\/span><\/p>\n When settling the list, think about who you\u2019re about to invite. Do these people either a) have the authority to make decisions, or b) are experts on the subject that will be discussed. If the answer is no to both, then you may want to rethink their invitation.<\/span><\/p>\n You may also want to consider allowing participants who are no longer needed in the team meeting to leave early. It’s fruitless to keep someone there who isn’t providing input as not only will they just sit there disengaged, but it also keeps them away from their work.<\/span><\/p>\n If you want your team meeting to be effective, then having an agenda prepared is vital. Not only will this inform participants about what is going to be discussed, but it also acts as a facilitator, keeping everything and everyone on track. It will also ensure that the meeting will end in something actionable (because if it doesn’t, what’s the point?).<\/span><\/p>\n Distributing the agenda prior to the meeting, let\u2019s say a day or two in advance, gives people the chance to review and comprehend what\u2019s going to be talked about. This also gives them enough time to frame their ideas and opinions for contribution. This is especially helpful for more introverted participants who aren’t as eager to give their two cents.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"Team](\"https:\/\/zenkit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/team-meeting-1.jpeg\")
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\nAre Team Meetings Necessary?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\n6 Tips on How to Run Productive Team Meetings<\/strong><\/h2>\n
1. Determine if it\u2019s essential<\/h3>\n
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2. Assess the invite list<\/h3>\n
3. Have an agenda<\/h3>\n