How to Make the Most out of your Meetings
In recent years the business world has changed as we know it. Working remotely has become the new normal and with that comes navigating new challenges on how to stay focused in a new environment.
Only around 50% of meeting time is being effectively used. These effectiveness numbers drop even lower when it comes to remote meetings.
So what can you do to make sure you are making the most out of your time?
Minimize Distractions
Use your active listening skills to stay focused and get the most out of your meetings. Resist the urge to do other things. We know it is easy to get distracted at home but it’s crucial to separate housework and real work.
Use only what you need for the call or meeting. Turn off the TV, put away the tablet, and get rid of any other devices with the power to divert your attention. This will help you keep the focus on your meeting.
Demonstrate interest by volunteering to be a timekeeper or taking notes. This will keep you actively engaged in the conversation and focused on what is being discussed.
Prepare
Meetings are intentional and successful meetings have a clear purpose. Make the most out of your meeting by setting realistic goals for the meeting. Take the time to craft and share an agenda with the team. That way everyone is on the same page and you can stay on topic.
Come with questions you want to be answered by the end of the meeting. That way you can walk out of the meeting with a clear outcome.
Stay Positive
Remember, everyone is on the same team, working toward a common goal. Feel free to take a moment to step back, take a breath, and refocus.
Take a minute to close your eyes and go to your happy place—anything you need to do to get in the right headspace for a meeting. If you come into a meeting with a clear, open-minded headspace to make the most out of your time during the meeting.
Record Key Takeaways
Create a checklist to make sure all your key points have been answered and record answers to look back on. After the meeting, send meeting notes to your team so that everyone can look back if they have questions about what was discussed.
Create a plan for yourself on the next steps you need to complete, and when to check back in with the team.
Follow Up
Good communication is the key to overall success. Continue the conversation by checking a few days later to see if everyone feels like they have achieved the goals of the meeting.
Plan for next steps and check-in to see how progress is going, address any questions or concerns to keep moving forward.
By following these steps, you will be able to make the most out of your meetings so that hopefully you don’t have to waste time and have a second meeting to discuss the first. Get in touch with our team today for more information.
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