Not sure about the strategies for streamlining the meetings (aka allow a limited time for discussion) but the number on this infographic are scary! Average number of weekly meetings for 35-55yo professionals: 20+ Average length of a corporate meeting in the US: 1.5hrs Cost of unproductive meetings each year: US$35B Best we get our meetings sorted then. How to Streamline Your Meetings Infographic | Inc.com.
“Companies typically hold meetings with one goal in mind: to get things done. Why is it, then, that most meetings only serve as a time sink? Well, perhaps not so surprisingly, a major reason is because most people–up to 92 percent–multitask during meetings, making them far less efficient than they could be.” via The Cost of Unproductive Meetings Infographic | Inc.com.
“The 9 tips you need to get organized Luckily for you, the tips and tools you need to get organized can be found right here. No need to go crazy trying them all out, just pick one that works for you and give it a go. Once you master one tip, move to the next. It’s a simple strategy that’ll work for even the most unorganized person out there.“ http://feeds.lifehack.org/~r/LifeHack/~3/mOvlpo-NoSQ/getting-organized-effectively-9-easy-steps.html
Here it is. The secret to successful meetings in one sweet, sweet nugget: “use your valuable meeting time to create the future rather than summarize the past.” http://feeds.inc.com/~r/home/updates/~3/PChgk9LdwGc/story01.htm
Quite a nice way to recap meetings: Recap all the decisions you made as a group and who will complete each action, and Work out what needs to be communicated to others, and how that communication will take place. http://feeds.inc.com/~r/home/updates/~3/0gdAUejGiug/story01.htm
“Action is a greater restorer and builder of confidence. Inaction is not only the result, but the cause of fear.” Three ways to get over uncertainty. via How to be Confident and Get Over Uncertainty.
Actually, they’re pretty good for everyone: “1. Listen first, talk second. 2. Step up during times of crisis. 3. Get out of your comfort zone. 4. Get into your comfort zone. 5. Write it down.” http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/5-simple-and-effective-leadership-tips-for-introverts.html
“5 ways to remember–to remember dates, remember to do things, remember to pick up the kids from school or anything else that you may need to remember.” via 5 Ways To Never Forget Anything Again.