Are staff meetings the worst part of your week? Do you feel like you are “pulling teeth” to get your staff lined up and on track?
You are not alone!
According to surveys by the Wharton Center for Applied Research, managers report that only 56% of their meetings are productive – and that 25% would have been more effective as conference calls, memos, e-mails, or voicemails. Conclusion: the cost of misguided meetings is high. – Karen Carney
Meetings Need a Clear Purpose
There are 4 simple things you can implement now to make better use of your staff meetings:
First, it’s important to set clear ground rules. This seems like common sense, but meetings are too often derailed by unclear communication. So, be specific about location and start/end times. Make sure that everyone understands that this is a time to listen and share respectfully. Rotate facilitators and assign roles, such as the note taker…
Second, it’s important to agree on an agenda before the meeting. It’s poor form to show up and then ask if anyone has anything they want to talk about. Be respectful of everyone’s time.
Successful Meetings Are Focused Meetings
Third, it’s easier said than done, but keep your staff meeting focused. Listening for those who veer off onto other topics and curbing extraneous questions while accomplishing your goal is tricky.
But, if everyone knows the agenda in advance and you make it clear that you are sticking to one topic, your whole meeting will get a whole lot easier.
Fourth, and finally, always follow up. It’s one thing to make grand plans, but it’s another to actually accomplish what you set out to do! Recognize the great effort that your staff puts in to keep your practice running smoothly.
This also makes your next big project seem more doable as a team.
~Jason
