Businessweek: How to run a meeting like Google.
I particularly like this article. The way in which Google are described as holding meetings makes perfect sense. In my experience, meetings rarely follow a formal agenda, rather are based on a loose topic that then allows said meeting to degrade into an open discussion about something (hopefully) vaguely connected to the meeting topic.
Lessons from this article:
- If invited to a meeting and where lead time permits, insist on an agenda. While a ‘no agenda, no meeting’ stance is a little too far too soon, at least asking for an agenda when invited to a meeting may prompt the organiser to at least think about what it is they wish to achieve by holding the meeting and hopefully think about the desired outcomes of the meeting.
- If holding a meeting, always try to set an agenda. Brief or detailed, an agenda should clearly outline the intent for holding the meeting and desired outcomes from your proposed meeting.
- Notetaking is very important. A meeting without (decent) minutes is of little use. Minutes that have not been ‘approved’, whilst still of some value, can lead to contention later on. I particularly like the Google approach of having the notes displayed for all to see as they’re being taken. Whilst not many comapnies are set up to provide such an incredible service, the importance of distributing notes as soon as possible or even before breaking from a meeting is critical and should not be underestimated.
What else? The article does mention the importance of running meetings to a clock, another important and oft cause for meeting pain is starting meetings at their alotted times. The organisation where I work is often crippled by late-comers, often the worst offenders are those people whose word or ear you most need for approval or support during your meeting. Whilst good notes can assist with such situations – particularly if you’re lucky enough to follow the Google method of showing your meeting notes live to your audience – there is still a chance that your late-running VIP may ask you to start over, wasting valuable time in the process and derailing your meeting.
