How to have a constructive meeting

I just got out of a constructive meeting and I was inspired to share some tips on how to hold a good meeting (I wish this post was as funny as the picture, but unfortunately, I am dead serious):

(1) Discuss topics with stakeholders individually in advance.  Forwarding the agenda is not enough, a 1:1 verbal conversation is best, especially regarding controversial subjects.

(2) Have an attitude of openness and curiosity.  It makes the meeting so much more pleasant.

(3) Don't be afraid to bring the meeting back to the agenda when the conversation goes on a tangent, and it will go on a tangent when you have curious, creative people in attendance.

(4) It is all right to joke and laugh and make small talk to relax everyone.

(5) Be up-front about the decision outcomes you would like to see coming out of the meeting.

(6) Standing up to go to the white board wakes people up, and raises your energy level.

(7) Write meeting minutes, and keep track of action item completion.  The act of writing meeting minutes will uncover action items that weren't immediately obvious.

(8) Have a good handout/power point presentation.  This helps with sticking to the agenda and reminds the mediator of points that would otherwise be forgotten.

(9) Bone up. Knowing the subject matter inside and out before a meeting will forward the conversation more speedily and will make the meeting more constructive.

(10) Appreciate your meeting attendees out-loud. Thank them for their time, and appreciate their feedback.

For more tips on holding a successful meeting, please visit the following blog post.